Category Archives: Updates
Seeking Dubai ..
In the last few decades Dubai has become more than a stopover port on the way to other European or Middle Eastern Destinations. Dubai and the surrounding UAE including Abu Dhabi has become a thriving tourist destination in its own right with an incredible mixture of modern marvels and ancient sights, a destination of culture, history, shopping, sports and recreation – a destination for travellers of all ages.
Which brings me to the point of todays short post. Hot off the press of our classifieds section, we have notice that we are seeking a female traveller to join one of our members on a trip to Dubai in February 2016. Our young traveller is heading out from Sydney and looking to spend some time in some quality company (which we hope one of you can provide) while exploring the fascinating sights, sounds and tastes of the United Arab Emirates and Dubai in particular.
So if a trip to the gateway to the Middle East sounds of interest, then why not contact us today and see if you may be a suitable companion for our Dubai bound traveller.
My European River Cruise (September 2015)
Guess Who has been travelling? Julie has just recently returned from escorting one of our Group Departures along the Danube. A fantastic trip visiting Prague before cruising from Budapest to Amsterdam, then onto Paris for a few days R&R before heading home. If you have been following our blog and website over the past 18 months or so you may have noticed us promoting this upcoming trip from time to time.
In any event the trip seems to have gone off really well with those attending telling us that they had a fantastic time – but don’t just take our word for it, take a look at some of our happy campers and trip highlights below! (Please note this is best viewed as a slideshow on the website and images may not appear on your Email updates)
I know, there are not a lot of “site photos” but if all we did was show you those what incentive would you have to join us on our departures! In any event there was a lot of fun had, and if you want to join us on a future trip then take a look around the website to see what is on offer!
My Travel Expo Deals – Limited Time Offers
Well, what a night! Our thanks to our industry partners and our visitors for making it such a fantastic night! Having said that we do have a number of fantastic offers from our industry partners, from Cruising around Fiji with Captain Cook, discovering Tasmania with AAT Kings, Safari on the Serengeti with the Africa Safari Co, relax on a beach in Hawaii with Qantas Holidays of discover the mysteries of Peru with the South American Tourism Office. For a full look at all Expo specials please click here! Be warned the file is large and may take some time to load. Please note all specials are of limited duration so if one takes your fancy now is the time to act!
My South America Expedition!
It is finally here! My South America Expedition!
We have been talking for a while about the South America Tour that we want to do , and we have been tossing up what we should or should not include, and in the end we have settled on the best compromise we could come to. We discarded the areas that some people may or may not want to see and settled down to a solid 20 day itinerary that takes in the very Best of South America, covering the Capital City of Peru (Lima) then time in the Sacred Valley of Cusco and Machu Picchu, a visit to Lake Titicaca, time at the astounding Iguasu Falls (pictured above) a visit to Rio de Janiero, and time in Buenos Aires were we take a small ranch stay and visit a local Estancia to get a feel for life on the Pampas!
Book now to take full advantage of all our earlybird and early payment deals including a companion fly free special that when you look at two travellers means you will only end up paying AU$10,746 per person at the moment (if you book within the next 2 weeks we will even include our Film Night Discounts!). You can review the itinerary and basic details here!
Now while we have said we “Cut” the areas that many do not want to see this does not mean they are unable to be added to the trip.
There are an amazing array of pre and post tour options we can look to include on this South American Voyage. if you are looking at something to do Pre-Tour there are Galapagos and Amazon Cruises, Jungle Lodge Stays, the Devils Snout Railway in Ecuador which winds round the small hill villages and volcanoes, there is Chiclayo and Trulijio the home of the Lord of Saipan – the King Tut of South America, or you can head into Southern Peru and visit Arequipa and the Nazca lines, just as a few examples.
Post tour there are just as many amazing extension options from a Cape Horn Cuise to a visit to Patagonia and Terra del Fuego, maybe visit the Colonial Mining town of Salta and the marshlands, or stay in a luxury desert encampment in the Atacama, take an opportunity to move up the Tigre River and spend a few days in the Uruguayan Capital of Montevideo, visit Santiago and the surrounding areas of Vina Del Mar and Valparasio, or take a break and experience the wonder of Easter Island.
So if you have ever wanted to journey to South America now is your change, book aboard our 2nd March 2017 departure and experience the best of South America in some Exceptional Company!
For further details please contact My Travel Expert on (02) 4421 5577 or nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
Red, Green and Black!
We have still had a few people having difficulty locating us, having gone to the old office, or other nearby stores. We are on Kinghorne Street on the outside of the Nowra Mall. So, to clarify, we are perhaps 200 meters down the road from our old location .. simply continue on past best and less to the traffic lights, look across the road where Telstra Business Centre stands on the corner and there we are right next Door in our flashy new Black and Green Colours! Just remember if you have pass HCF you have gone too far!
We are still contactable on (02) 4421 5577, though since the move our phones have been having issues – for which we are sorry! or by email on nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au . As usual you should be able to find someone here from 9 am to 5 pm Mondays through to Fridays, and from 9 am to Midday on Saturdays. So if you need to see us, or just want to place our location in mind, please feel free to stop by.
For those that visit our website to get updates rather than just reading their subscribed e-mails or RSS feeds it will come as no surprise that we have had a bit of a facelift, with the website now more reflective of the My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters branding – in otherwords, its very black and green. Based on feedback for the tours we have been planning and upcoming events we have seriously culled our group departures and will be running no more than 4 departures per year. These will run with a minimum of 2 passengers and will be fully escorted by one of our staff with 16 travellers. For now our 2016 and 2017 tour schedule is as follows ..
- May 2016: My Mississippi (see below notice)
- June 2016: My African Experience. A fantastic journey to take in the highlights of Kenya and Tanzania, run in concert with the African Safari Co.
- August 2016: My Canada & Alaska Encounter. An incredible journey through the Rocky Mountains and Inside passage run in concert with Travelmarvel
- August – September 2016: My Rhine and Rhone Encounter. Two back to back river cruises taking in the best of the Western European River Highlights, run in concert with Travelmarvel
- February 2017: My Mekong Encounter. A delightful Tour through Vietnam ending in Ho Chi Minh City over Vietnamese New Year where you then Cruise to Siem Reap along the Mekong, run in concert with Evergreen Tours.
- 2017, My South American Expedition. is coming, for a first look at this we recommend you contact us and reserve your spot at our 9 September film night, but be quick spaces are limited!
If you receive our regular updates and follow our blog, facebook, twitter or websites you will know that we have been organising a Mississippi Tour with Evergreen to cover the Sounds of the South, a cultural tour taking in the American Music Capitals from Nashville to Memphis to New Orleans, with some time spent aboard a traditional paddlesteamer. It is to our regret that the company owning the cruise boats – the American Queen Steamboat Company – has reallocated their ships in 2016 for a number of private charters, which means we are forced to cancel this programme!
Having said that, there is a similar programme being run with Scenic called the “Southern Belles & Mississippi Cruise”and if anyone would still like to do a voyage that mirrors our original programme then please feel free to contact us and we can give you details on the Scenic programmes.
Once again, My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters thank you all for your continued support!
My Film Night – 9th September 2015
Travel in Luxury, it is not out of your reach! If you want an all inclusive trip, with secure departures, filled with friendly and like minded travellers out to see unique and exotic destinations, they we have the perfect options for you with a pair of companies who have a broad range of touring options and usually have a great selection of exclusive inclusions and fantastic booking discounts for those ready to plan ahead …
My Travel Expert will be hosting an informational evening at our offices on the 9th September with a guest speaker down to talk with us about the amazing product range of Scenic and Evergreen Tours. From the majestic Rocky Mountaineer in Canada to the Incan Ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, from Crusing the Danube in Europe to Crusing the Chobe in Africa, these companies cover the globe and have a fantastic array of unique product, exclusive inclusions on their well paced and suitably priced tours.
We believe in their product so much that we are running our Mississippi, Mekong and South American Group departures with them, so that we know, that no matter our number, our travellers will be getting the best service, the destinations that will leave them in awe, and the product that will leave them not just satisfied with their trip buy looking for more!
So why not join us and discover the world with Scenic and Evergreen Tours, 9th September 2015 at 28a Kinghorne Street, from 5:30 for a 6pm start! Just click on the green button link below!
15 Things For The Solo Traveller To Remember
While this has been written up for the Solo Traveller, a lot of these are hints, tips and things to remember for travellers in general !
15. Contact Details. These are important, for you, if you need help, for families if they need to find you. Ensure that you have all contacts you need for whilst travelling – hotels, consulate, airlines, and make sure that someone back home has these as well.
14. Packing. Pack right, make sure your clothes and needs are met but don’t over pack – remember if you can’t carry it, don’t take it. While some flights and taxis allow for a lot of baggage, most tour buses will only allow 20kg of baggage and you should remember that at the worst, baggage handlers at the airport can’t tote more than 35kg.
13. Medicines & Health – Remember to Prepare. Make sure that you have everything organised to make sure your health keeps up whilst on tour. If you have regular medications you need to take ensure that you can take them into the country where you are travelling and that you have several copies of a prescription list from your doctor (so if you lose the meds you can get them replaced), and remember to pack the basics – pain killers, anti-diarrhetics, the usual.
12. Remember the Basics. Make sure that you are prepared for your trip and pack yourself a handy travel bag with the essentials well before you go! Combs, toothbrush, power adaptors, baggage locks, pen – the little things that you will need on a daily basis which if you leave till the last moment you may forget to pack.
11. Document Copies. Always remember to have a couple of copies of your travel documents, with at least 1 electronic version stored away on an easily accessible e-mail. Why? This way in case you lose them, or things go missing you have a copy at hand, one way or another, to guide you along the rest of your trip
10. Arrive before dark! A lot of people like to try and minimise and maximise their time by arriving very early in the morning or late at night – in the end though this is not the best use of your time, especially when travelling across time zones. Early afternoon arrivals will allow you to usually be able to check in straight away, have time to check out the local area and still get a good night sleep and set you up with the local time zone, and you avoid trying to muddle your way to a new location in the dark and presumably tired.
9. Safety Awareness. Like when you are at home, be aware of your surroundings, don’t leave bags unattended, don’t make it easy for pickpockets to come up and slice off a bum bag, don’t look like you have no idea where you are or what is going on. There are always people out there that will take advantage of you, just remember the basic precautions and limit the amount of ways that trouble can stalk you!
8. Street Food . May taste fantastic but can often be cooked and prepared in unsanitary conditions, so think before you eat, take a good look at how food is prepared if possible, and if not pass it by .. or if you don’t pass it by then make sure you have your anti-diarrhetics ready to counter any possible upset
7. Dress Appropriately. You may be comfortable in your short-shorts and sleeveless shirts, but it may not always be appropriate. Cultural Norms, Religious Customs and Social Attitude vary wildly around the globe, and when you are travelling it is best to prepare yourself for these situations so you don’t attract unwarranted attention and don’t inadvertently offend the locals.
6. Alcohol. While drinking Alcohol will ensure that you won’t be poisoned by the local water you should always remember to drink in moderation – the last thing you need is to consume to excess and find yourself in trouble with the local authorities, or worse in a sticky situation that due to your inebriation you don’t realise you are walking into.
5. Stay Accessible. As a solo traveller its imperative that you remain contactable – both so you can call for help or can be called for help. Setting up International Roam on your mobile, buying local pre-paid cards or international Sims will ensure that you are able to stay in touch with friends family, and even local suppliers and hotels who you will need to talk to.
4. Pre-organise. It sounds great to be able to hit the ground and then find your own way around. Which it is, if you want to find yourself more stressed, seeing less and probably spending more. Book in your Accommodation before you go and you will most probably save money, be at better locations, and free up more of your own time to see the local sites. This extends beyond hotels, pre-organising everything from rail to tours to taxis can all help you save time, and get the best out of your trip.
3. Limit Cash! Nothing says “Mug Me!” like carrying around big wads of Cash, keep cash limited to the basics – as you would at home, and leave the rest to credit and debit cards. If your own bank charges excessive fees organising a Cash Passport will allow you to make the best of exchange rates and lack of fees when travelling internationally. By using a card to withdrawal as needed you will escape notice of having too much cash as is good for you.
2. Insurance. The Australian Government has said “If you can’t afford Travel Insurance, you can’t afford to travel”, and they are right. Going away without insurance is putting so much at risk, from being stuck in a location due to natural disaster, or finding yourself with a growing medical bill. Choosing the right policy is important and making sure that should things go wrong, then you need to make sure that you are prepared – and travel insurance is a small price to pay to ensure that should things go bad, you are covered.
1. Use A Travel Agent. Everyone says “but they cost more” and in some cases they do, but those costs are usually minimal and the fees and usually reasonable, and having someone there to be able to call in a panic, who has the experience to help you build your trip and who can make sure that things go right from get to go is well worth it. A few years ago AFTA came out with a slogan that says it all “Without A Travel Agent, You’re On Your Own”. Your Travel Agent is there to look after you, help you out when things go sour, and be there when you want to relieve your trip highlights!
My Classifieds – Find Your Travel Companion!
Do you dream of South America? My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters are still planning to get away a group to this fantastic continent in Early 2017. If you are looking to possibly join now is the time to let us know what you were hoping to see and do, whilst we are still in our planning stage!
We also have a traveller seeking a companion on an Inside Passage and Rocky Mountaineer voyage in September 2016. If this voyage is something you have always considered let us know, and we can see if we can match you up with our Traveller! All other current Expressions of Interest for Travel can be found on our Classifieds Page!
Are you interested in travelleing? Do none of our specials spark your interest? Do you still want someone to share the costs with? Then let us know what you are interested in seeing and doing, when you are interested in doing it and we can then present it to our league or ladies and gentlemen who are SSS Members – we won’t guarantee a compatible companion but there is always the chance you may find the perfect travelling companion.
A Look Into My Mississippi Experience
In May 2016, alongside our industry partners of Evergreen and the American Queen Steamboat Company, we have a fantastic programme for those that enjoy river cruising, have a love of music, enjoy experiencing unique historical sights and cultural experiences. From Arrival in Atlanta on the 18th May 2016 until departure from New Orleans on the 31st May 2016 there is something to enjoy, experience and encounter on a daily basis.
Note: Just a quick note that for those seeing this on their e-mails, then perhaps you may want to click on the link at the bottom of the page and see this online at our site – there are several videos below that won’t appear in the e-mail version.
Joining us either ex-Australia (with Evergreens Partner Fly Free Deals) or at our Hotel in Atlanta, this tour leave Atlanta for Nashville, where we will encounter the heartland of Country Music in the USA, before heading onto Memphis, the home of music legends such as Elvis (Gracelands pictured above), BB King, Aretha Franklin, Justin Timberlake and many more. From Memphis we cruise our way down the Mississippi to New Orleans, moving from the Capitol of Rock to the Birthplace of Soul.
Our Journey from Memphis to New Orleans will be aboard a traditional paddlesteamer , these are restored vessels owned and operated by the American Queen Steamboat Company, and are a true taste of the south with the old fashioned parlours, round deck walkways/verandahs, traditional styled theatres, classic southern dining and some incredible onboard entertainment that will take you to the heart of Dixie, Soul, Jazz, Blues, Rock and Country.
At AU$11,235 per person share twin including port taxes and surcharges, partner fly free deal and an exclusive My Travel Expert discount worth up to AU$400 per couple/twin this is a fantastically inclusive price for an incredible voyage. All cabins aboard the American Queen will be in (at the minimum) Outside Staterooms with Bay Windows (images above as well as base floor plan) and you can upgrade to Staterooms with Verandahs, at additional cost. Single Cabins are also available at additional cost – please ask us for details.
Before you do though take a look look at a quick video clip of this fantastic Cruise Vessel …
… and take a review of the day by day itinerary, land inclusions and extras that we bring to the table by packaging this product up with our industry partner (Evergreen Tours)
14 Days sounds Of The South & Mississippi Cruise, 18th May – 1st June 2016
Reservations can be made through My Travel Expert in Nowra.
Full Conditions and details available on application
SUPERB SERVICES
- 7 Day Eastern USA Experience
- 7 Night Mississippi River Steamboat Cruise on board the traditional and luxurious American Queen
- Premium First Class hotels including all hotel service charges and porterage
- The services of an Evergreen Tour Director
- All tipping and gratuities included
- Return airport transfers
PREMIUM INCLUSIONS
- In depth tour of the country music capital of the world, Nashville including a visit to the famous Studio B
- Learn of the fascinating life of Elvis Presley with a visit to Graceland
- Live the rock and roll dream with a tour of Memphis including the birth place of rock’n’roll, Sun Studios
- Discover the Mississippi River and its fascinating and historical towns and plantations in depth
- Explore exemplary examples of antebellum architecture including Stanton Hall in Natchez
- Get to know the historic plantation town of St Francisville
- Tour the impressive Nottoway Plantation, one of the largest southern plantations in existence
- Be guided through the lively and colourful New Orleans and explore the fascinating the French Quarter
YOU’RE INVITED
- Tour the most iconic country music venue in the world with a guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium, with dinner and a show at the Grand Ole Opry
- Get to know the essence of the home of blues with dinner and a show at BB Kings Blues Club
PREMIUM HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit the cosmopolitan city of Atlanta
- Take a stroll down Honky Tonk Row where country music never sleeps
- Experience the neon lights and blues clubs at Memphis with a walk down Beale Street
- Discover the rich culture and musical heritage of the deep South
- Uncover the capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge
DINING HIGHLIGHTS
- 29 superb meals including 13 Full Breakfasts (FB), 6 Lunches (L), 8 Dinners (D) & 2 Highlight Dinners (HD)
Itinerary:
Programme Subject to Confirmation of 2016 Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Atlanta: Welcome to the USA! On arrival at Atlanta Airport you will be met and transferred* to your hotel. Atlanta is a world class modern city with a rich and passionate history, and it is the hub and commercial capital of Georgia. Overnight Stay: Marriott Marquis
Day 2: Atlanta – Nashville (B,D): Journey to Nashville or “Music City” the home of country music. Since its inception, Nashville has been linked to music, from Davy Crockett to Miles Davis, from Bob Dylan to Beyoncé, the best of the best come here to learn and share their art. Get a taste of this incredible city with a walk along the famous Honky Tonk Row. You’re Invited: Take a guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium, followed by dinner and a show at the legendary musical institution, the Grand Ole Opry. Two Night Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton
Day 3: Nashville (B): Tour the recording studios of Music Row where some of the greats of Country Music have recorded, then visit the Country Music Hall of Fame that houses one of the best collections of country music memorabilia, instruments and costumes in existence. The rest of the day is free to explore Nashville, the “Music City”.
Day 4: Nashville – Memphis (B,D): Travel to Memphis, the blues capital of the world. Tour the famous Sun Studio, known as the birthplace of rock ‘n roll we explore the memorabilia and hear fascinating stories of fame and fortune, excess and success. Then visit Graceland, the home of “The King”, Elvis Presley. Explore his mansion and see his private planes, costumes, gold records and awards. You’re Invited: Head to BB Kings Blues Club and get a taste of some true southern rock and blues. Enjoy BB Kings favourite southern dishes as you listen to the best of Memphis music. Two Night Stay: Westin Memphis
Day 5: Memphis (B): Today is free for you to discover Memphis. Discover More: Take a Discover Memphis tour, or jump on board the music bus with a tour of Memphis’ musical heritage (additional expense)
Day 6: Memphis – 7 Night Mississippi Cruise (B,D): Transfer to the pier to board your magnificent cruise ship. Check into your comfortable Inside Stateroom (upgrade to Outside Stateroom with Window or Outside Stateroom with Veranda additional expense) on the luxurious American Queen Steamboat and settle-in for an unforgettable 7 night voyage along the extraordinary Mississippi River.
Day 7: Greenville (B,L,D): Greenville is at the very heart and soul of Mississippi Delta and is the birthplace of B.B. King and many other blues singers, so naturally Greenville has Blues integrated into its culture. The town is also known for its many authors and writers, gardens and museums. This beautiful town is sure to win your heart with its southern charm and soul!
Day 8: Vicksburg (B,L,D): Discover a unique blend of old and new in Vicksburg. Take in the diversity from National Historic Landmarks to the Waterways Experiment Station. Visit the Church of the Holy Trinity and a wide selection of museums.
Day 9: Natchez (B,L,D): Step into the plantation lifestyle of the antebellum south in Natchez. Visit historic Jefferson College, tour antebellum mansions and take a tour of Stanton Hall which was built in 1857 and is considered the grandest of the Natchez mansions. Also see Magnolia Hall, Rosalie Mansion and William Johnson House.
Day 10: St Francisville (B,L,D): This quaint town located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River is your window to the past. With over 140 buildings on the National Register, beautiful plantation homes nestled in the rolling countryside, and bustling Main Street shops, you’ll find plenty to keep you interested.
Day 11: Baton Rouge (B,L,D): The capital of Louisiana, visitors delight in the seamless blend of past and present. Tour the USS Kidd, the Old Governor’s Mansion, St. Joseph Cathedral, the current Governor’s Mansion, the Louisiana State Capitol building and the Capitol Park Museum.
Day 12: Plantation Road (B,L,D): Enjoy an included tour of Nottoway Plantation, the South’s largest remaining antebellum mansion. This stunning historical plantation lies between Baton Rouge and New Orleans and offers a view of a truly grand plantation. Enjoy a guided tour of an American Castle as we explore within the pristine walls of Nottoway followed by a stroll through the lush grounds and gardens.
Day 13: New Orleans (B,D): Disembark early this morning and transfer to your hotel. New Orleans is the home of Jazz and is steeped in a history of influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and beyond. Our local guide joins us for a tour of the French Quarter which is the oldest neighbourhood and cultural hub. Visit an historic cemetery, referred to as the “City of the Dead”, then visit St Charles Avenue and the Garden District which is home to some of the best preserved Southern mansions in the country. Overnight Stay: Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Day 14: Depart New Orleans (B): Transfer* to the airport to board your homeward flight.
For More details or to book aboard please contact My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters today on (02) 4421 5577 or nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
My Rhine & Rhone Experience – August 2016
With 2016 rolling ever closer, we have passed out of the “preview” stage for our Rhine & Rhone Experience and entered the Early bird booking phase. Available from AU$11395 per person in the lead in cabin category and using Travelmarvels Fly Free Deal (all subject to availability – terms and conditions apply see in store for details), this is the perfect way to combine two cruises and see the best of the Rhine and Rhone, starting in Paris before journeying north to Amsterdam then cruising South to Switzerland where we take a short overland trip before cruising south to Nice and the French Riviera finishing with a few days in Monte Carlo before heading home!
For a full itinerary please refer to our tours section, or for more details please contact us at My Travel Expert on (02) 4421 5577 or email at nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters 