Category Archives: Specials
Discover the Heart Of The Silk Road
Central Asia, specifically the countries that Australians refer to as “the Stans” – Kazahkstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan – have been a growing tourism location for decades. Originally the majority of visitors were Russian, simply because during the days of Soviet Russia travelling internally was easier for them than externally, with the fall of the USSR the face of tourism in these regions started changing, and while Australians have been travelling there for some time, accessibility – through flights, visa issued, permissions, have always kept the numbers low. With Uzbekistan now allowing for E-visas, and with the ability to get visas on arrival for other, and some waiving them entirely – the region is going to open up like never before, and it is a region that is well worth visiting for a huge range of reasons.

Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
The region is filled with natural wonders in Kyrgyzstan areas like the Golden Spa, or Broken Heart Gorge, are scenic rivals that are comparable to places like the rocky mountains, and the desert landscapes of Eastern Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have incredible rock formations that are truly remarkable. With some f the worlds oldest inhabited cities, and some of the more incredible Heritage listed sites like Shakisirabz, Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand you can discover some of the origins of modern astronomy and mathematics, you can discover the cultural growth of the local tribes and the influences of religion in the region, as an integral part of the old silk road the entire region is covered with forts, palaces, temples and museums that leave a person stunned at the wonder – and places like Registan Square (which inspired the tale of a 1001 Arabian Nights) have been doing so for centuries.

Registan Square, the inspiration for “1001 Arabian Nights”
When you combine he natural wonders, the ancient cultures and the ancient heritage, it would seem that these destinations have enough for anyone, but their years under Russian and Soviet rule have brought another aspect to travel with regions like old nuclear test zones opening up for travel, the Aral Sea disaster zone, the former Space Center in Kazakhstan from where the USSR launched their initial space missions including that of famed cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin bringing in visitors who love not just modern history, but whom have an intense desire to see man;s impact on the globe and how they can help moving forward – not to mention the every day aspect that Soviet rule had on the region which can still be seen in the older housing communities, as well as the soviet era-esque statues, parks and memorials in major cities like Dashanube.

Ashgabat is a Modern Metropolis in an Ancient Land
Central Asia for centuries has been a crossroads for travel – like Turkey, like India, and like Egypt – and has been a cradle for civilization, science and culture, and while in the last century, the control of the region has seen a change in where its visitors and influence has come from its opening boarders is bringing this incredibly diverse ancient, culturally significant and naturally stunning area back into the forefront of thought for travellers. What’s more is that as an area that has seen less press, less coverage and visibility – there is less expectations, you can be floored by what you discover rather than being dissapointed that what you are seeing isn’t exactly as you saw it in the social media posts of a thousand or more other travellers. With many of the destination names meaning little to the average Australian Traveller even seeing where they are going in print is an exercise in exploration that has for the most part become lessened with areas that see much more regular visitors, and for a truly unique experience, a taste of what these destinations are, now is the time to get in and see them, while the infrastructure is being developed, whilst the numbers are low, whilst things are still raw and unedited and free of the filters that mass tourism tends to produce.

Jety-Ogyuz (Broken Heart Gorge)
Once these lands tied together the wonders of China and the Orient to the realms of Western Europe and the Middle East, through the Silk Road. The “Heart Of The Silk Road” package for 2020 currently being previewed by My Travel Expert for 2020 is the prefect example of the diversity that one can expect to see and encounter within the region, and with a limited group size of 16 becomes the perfect intimate way to discover the area.
The Heart of The Silk Road tour will visit a number of incredible places including Almaty, Karakol, Altyn Arashan, Tamga, Jety Ogyz, Lake Issyk-kul, Bishkek, Tashkent, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz, Bukhara, Chardjou, Merv, Mary, Ashgabat, Kov-Ata, Tashauz, Dashoguz, Urgench & Khiva

Gate Of Hell in Turkmenistan
This is a small group journey that will run with no more than between 8 to 16 travellers, and will journey through some of the most incredible regions of Central Asia as it journeys through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It should be noted that the group size is limited in part due to he vehicles that will be used to discover the natural wonders of Kyrgyzstan.
Note From The Tour Leader:
This tour will cover the natural, historical and cultural highlights of these zones including Lake Issyk-Kul, Altyn Ashran, the Gate of Hell, Buhkara, Khiva, Registan Square and more. We will also visit some of the most significant cities of the region including Almaty, Bishkek, Tashkent and Ashgabat. This is not a 5 star luxury tour, whilst all the accommodation has been specifically chosen for flavor and experience – we have noted most as a lower category than official sites do, specifically so I do not raise expectations. We will be staying in a range of 3 star boutique hotels, a guest house, and what are officially listed as 5 star hotels but with their faded soviet glory would more appropriately be called a comfortable 4 star (on occasion). The package price is based Almaty to Tashkent and covers most expenses barring visas, tipping and most of the meals outside of breakfast. With the best food available outside local hotels I elected not to include meals so that we can get the best culinary experience whilst travelling.
The package price does not include the main international airfares, I do recommend using the Asiana Options when they become available but have left it open in case people decide to extend or visit other regions while on the road. This is a unique hand-crafted programme designed to take in the best of the region in relative comfort, and I would love to have you join us when we head there! – Regards Daniel
For more information on the Heart of the Silk Road Journey, please click here for the full itinerary!
Or Call My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters
on (02) 4421 5577 and ask to speak with Daniel
My Mekong Morning Tea
My Travel Expert & The Shoalhaven Solo Sisters
(02) 4421 5577 or nowra@mytravelexpert.coma.au
Seeking Canada & Solo Specials
Seeking Canada Solo
First off I would like to let everyone know that we have a single lady seeking a travelling companion for My Canadian Experience in May 2018, this is a fantastic voyage travelling with Scenic on Holland America, the Rocky Mountaineer and Brewsters around Western Canada, staying at the incredible Fairmont Properties and taking in some of the world most breathtaking vistas from Banff & Lake Louise to Juneo, Skagway and Victoria.
IF you are a single lady and would like to join this departure, and would be interested in possibly matching up with our other single traveller, please let us know and we can put you in touch with each other to test the waters for compatibility!
Russian Cruise Solo Special – 2018
We have a fantastic Solo Offer for an 11 August 2018 Solo Cruise from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, thanks to our friends at the Russian Travel Centre. Save from AU$1480 on the single cost and get away from AU$2692 on a Main Deck Outside Cabin for sole use.
Visits: St Petersburg * Mandrogi * Kizhi * Yaroslavl * Uglich * Moscow Includes: * Cruise on a popular 3-star river cruise vessel – MS Shashkov * Accommodation in outside cabin with private facilities and large picture window * Sole Use of twin cabin * All meals – buffet breakfast, full service lunch and dinner * Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Reception and Gala Farewell Dinner * Full sightseeing program in each port of call and onboard entertainment * Port taxes
For more details please give us a call on (02) 4421 5577
Scenic River Cruise Discounts
Our friends at Scenic currently have a 50% off special for limited River Cruises across Europe in 2018 – both down the Danube as well as the French Rivers. Whether you want to take in Bordeaux, the Christmas Markets or the highlights of places like Bamburg, Vienna, Budapest and Prague there may be an opportunity for you. If you are interested in doing a cruise, and looking to travel solo, then give us a call to discuss what options may be open for you on this limited special.
My Travel Expert & The Shoalhaven Solo Sisters
(02) 4421 5577 or nowra@mytravelexperts.com.au
Mekong Charter – Singles Match Up’s
As many of you have no doubt heard, in August 2018 we are chartering the Avalon Siem Reap from Avalon Waterways for a private cruise from Siem Reap to Saigon. This has allowed us to package together a Mekong River Cruise with all its highlights with airfare and time and touring in both Siem Reap and Saigon for over a thousand dollars less per person in share twin, then what the programme usually operates for with all those inclusions.
While this is fantastic news for those couples signing aboard, those single travellers though are still left with a huge single supplement – nearly double in cost from the base fare! Having said that, thanks to the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters we can look at doing a “singles match up”, where by pairing you with other single travellers you can the share a cabin and save having to pay any single supplement.
This is the perfect style of trip for such a Match Up. As a chartered vessel all travellers will be from the local region (Shoalhaven) or nearby and as a single group you won’t find yourself feeling the need to spend all of your time with your Cabin-mate, in fact between dining, touring and enjoying watching the world float by from the bar, lounge or Topdeck there is very little cabin time involved for many doing river cruising – so the amount of time you spend with your cabin-mate would be entirely your call on such a voyage!
So if you want to join our Mekong Departure and would like to look at a Singles Match Up, what do you do to get the ball rolling?
Step 1: Call My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters on (02) 4421 5577, and let us know that you want to join our Mekong Charter and that you are looking for a singles match up.
My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters will then attempt to find another single traveller for you to share with on this cruise departure. If we find someone we move onto step 2 …
Step 2: Catch up with the possible Cabin-Mate, then let My Travel Expert & The Shoalhaven Solo Sisters know whether the match up is acceptable.
Step 3: Pay cruise deposit and proceed down the standard booking path.
What prices would you be looking at to join this Voyage?
Should we be able to match you up with another traveller you would be looking at the standard share twin costing, which is AU$6666.00 per person.
If you decide that despite everything you want a cabin/room all to yourself the single supplement payable in addition to the standard share twin costing is AU$4346.00
This covers your airfare to Siem Reap from Sydney and back from Saigon/Hanoi with all pre-payable taxes, the nights accommodation and touring in Siem Reap, the Cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (inclusive of all meals and activities) and then the accommodation and touring in Ho Chi Minh City.
If you want to join the Extension to Hanoi and Halong Bay you are looking at a cost of AU$1500.00 per person in share twin if you are matched with another traveller. Should you desire a room/cabin on your own the single supplement cost payable in additional to the share twin rate is AU$571.00
The Extension Cost covers the flight from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Hanoi, the accommodation in Hanoi, the Cruise on Halong and all the touring in both Locations.
When is this Charter Programme Running?
This is a one off Cruise Charter, for those that do the standard package the Trip will depart Sydney on the 19th August 2018 and arrive back into Sydney on the 2nd September 2018. For those taking the Extension to Hanoi & Halong Bay you will arrive back into Sydney on the 6th September 2018.
If you want to look into a “Singles Match Up”
then call us on (02) 4421 5577 as soon as possible,
as finding a travelling companion may take some time!
You can review the entire voyage here, to see what will be seen, covered and experienced during the entire period of travel including the Extension! Just Click on “read more”!
No Single Supplement with Avalon
If you are interested in cruising the waterways of Europe and you are a single traveller then now is the time to go!
Avalon is offering a waiver of the single supplement on 2017 European River Cruises (subject to availability, cruise and T&C’s), which in some cases – such as the Danube Delta to Prague Cruise, could see you saving as much as AU$7301
With a range of Cruise duration’s from 7 nights to 14 nights, and covering sailings on the Maine, the Upper & Lower Danube, the Moselle, the Rhine, the Rhone, the Saone and the Seine there are plenty of options to choose from.
This offer ends on the 4th August 2018, so if a river cruise in 2017 sounds like something you would like do not hesitate to call us today at My Travel Expert & Shoalhaven Solo Sisters on (02) 4421 5577 to discuss options!
Canada Presale Ends! Book Now Save 7%
Whether travelling on your own or in pairs, there is nothing like a Scenic Tour to explore the wondrous scenery of Canada. At the moment with My Canada Experience, you can book aboard one of their premier journeys that includes transfers to and from the South Coast with a night in Sydney so you don’t have an early morning when heading out. This tour will also be escorted from the South Coast and will visit the highlights of Vancouver and Victoria, of the Rocky Mountains and the Inside Passage.
Right now this tour is available to book on pre-sale which is coming to an end on the 31st May, for the price and itinerary Click Here! So if you wanted to join us on this luxury trip through Canada, staying in Castles, talking with Mounties then NOW is the time to sign aboard, as prices for bookings made after the 31st May are due to rise up to 7% or more.
For More details or to book aboard Contact Us Now!
Or call us on (02 4421 5577
Upcoming Exclusive Group Departures for 2018
For those that were unable to make it to our 2018 tour unveiling, you missed a fantastic night, and an incredible presentation. But you have not missed out entirely, and can now review what we have coming up exclusively to My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters in 2018!
MY JAPAN EXPERIENCE
From $7994 Per Person Share Twin
8th—23rd April 2018, Sydney to Sydney
VISITING: Tokyo, Nikko, Matsumoto, Nagano, Toyama, Shirakawa, Takayama, Nagoya, Toba, Osaka, Matsuem Hiroshima, Kyoto and Hakkone National Park
CHERRY BLOSSOMS: Taking place over Cherry Blossom season highlights of this trip will include travelling on the famous Bullet Train, partaking in a Japanese Tea Ceremony, visiting the Floating Shrine of Hiroshima, extraordinary Views of Mount Fuji, and visits to some of Japans most iconic castles including Matsumoto and Nijo.
Includes: Sightseeing throughout with inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable. Airport transfers; private, deluxe, air-conditioned coach while touring; bullet train from Hiroshima to Kyoto; internal flights. 4 star hotels as stated or similar. Fully Guided with Escort ex-Sydney based on 16 Travellers. International Air with Thai Airways including taxes , surcharges and fees.
For Full Details Click Here
MY CANADIAN EXPERIENCE
24 Days Australia to Australia
19th May – 11th June 2018
From $14,955 Per Person Share Twin Exclusive Tour ! With South Coast Departure
22 Day Spectacular Rocky Mountain Tour and Inside Passage Cruise
VISITING: Vancouver, Kamloops, Rocky Mountains, Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise, Sun Peaks, Whistler, Victoria, Tracey Arm of the Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketckikan
Includes: 15 night luxury coach tour through the Rockies, Guaranteed Gold Leaf Class on the famous Rocky Mountaineer, 7 night Alaskan Cruise with Holland America Cruise Lines, Luxury air-conditioned coach travel with a professional Tour Driver, and of course all tipping and gratuities
For Full Details Click Here
MY MEKONG EXPEDITION
$6666 Per Person Share Twin
19th August – 2nd September 2018, Sydney to Sydney
VISITING: Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Kampong Tralach, Kampong Louang, Phomn Penh, Wat Hanchey, Angkor Ban, Long Khong A, Chau Doc, Cu Lao Gieng, Ben Tre,
and Ho Chi Minh City
Includes: Sightseeing throughout with inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable. Airport transfers; private, deluxe, air-conditioned coach while touring; internal flights. 4 star hotels as stated or similar. Fully Guided with Escort ex-Sydney based on 30 Travellers. International Air with Thai Airways including taxes , surcharges and fees.
EXTEND TO HANOI: Extend your discovery of Vietnam with an extension to the North to take in the beautiful Hanoi and the iconic Halong Bay aboard a traditional Junk Cruise
For Full Details Click Here
MY ITALY EXPERIENCE
$8948 Per Person Share Twin
7th—25th October 2018, Sydney to Sydney
VISITING: Rome, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, Verona, Venice, Ravenna, Assissi, Orvieto, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri
Includes: Sightseeing throughout with inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable. Airport transfers; private, deluxe, air-conditioned coach while touring; ; internal flights. 4 star hotels as stated or similar. 17 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 9 dinners. Fully Guided with Escort ex-Sydney based on 16 Travellers. International Air with Thai Airways including taxes , surcharges and fees.
Just For Us! Extending our tour to the south we will take in the historic Pompeii, the fantastic sights of the island of Capri and the Amaflfi Coast, we also have an optional visit to the Borghese Gardens included and a fantastic Italian Cooking Class!
For Full Details Click Here
2018 looks like a fantastic year doesn’t it! If 2018 is to early for you or we are not going to one of the destinations you are seeking let us know. With plans in the pipeline to cover Queenstown, China, South Africa, Cairns, Britain & Ireland, Rotorua, India and the Mississippi in 2019 there might be something you want just a little further out!
Hassle Free Travel @ My Travel Expo
Whether it is a trip through the heartland of America, the medieval cities of Europe, the ancient cities of South America or the lands of the Maharajah, a lot of people find the thought of how to connect one location with the next, and what to do in those locations exhausting. How to I get from Paris to Cologne? Will I have to wait in a long queue at the Taj Mahal? How many places can I reasonably see in Washington in a day?
Sometimes, when you are ready to experience a location – be in a new country, or part of your own, what you really want is to sit back and relax, enjoy the sights and sounds and let someone else worry about how you get between places, or what you are doing for breakfast. Which is where group touring is a fantastic way to experience locations around the world!
There are large group tour operators who offer a number of destinations across the world – their inclusions range for the all inclusive luxury style packages of APT, Scenic and Insight Vacations, to the good quality programmes of AAT Kings, Travelmarvel, Globus, Wendy Wu Tours and Trafalgar that cover what you want to see but may not include as many meals or drinks.
For the more budget conscious or those who enjoy a bit of adventure, but like the security of having someone there to look after your problems there are slew of operators running everything from small to large groups like Cosmos or Peregrine, or smaller groups and more intimate experiences with companies like G-Adventures or Intrepid.
Then you have your dedicated small group tour operators that use good quality accommodation, and tie off the ability to see fantastic sights with an intimate touring experience, or a unique focus on the touring, such as is available through operators like Back-Roads Touring, the Africa Safari Co, or National Geographic Journeys by G-Adventures.
Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas. Small groups, adventurous travel, luxury travel, large groups, short tours and longer voyages. There is a group tour out there for everyone, whether its the desire to hike around the Inca Trail or relax in Luxury as you cruise the Danube, there are group programmes available for every style of traveller – and no better way to let someone else worry about the little things while you enjoy the opportunity to explore, visit and make new connections.
So if exploring the world in good company sounds like something you are interested in then now is the time to come and speak with the wide range of group travel experts that will for one night only be accessible at ..
My Travel Expo.
4pm til 7pm, 22 September 2016,
@ Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemans Club Worrigree.
Call (02) 4421 5577 for more information
Register Here For Quick Entry!