Blog Archives
My Field Of Lights Experience
In April 2016 international artist, Bruce Munro, came to Uluru and brought with him an incredible artwork. The solar-powered installation known as the “Field of Lights” is comprised of more than 50,000 stems crowned with frosted-glass spheres and will bloom as darkness falls over Australia’s spiritual heartland, until the end of March in 2017.
To take advantage of this rare event and visit some of the incredible locations around Uluru, while taking the effort to avoid the scalding summer heat, My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters have organised a one off departure to discover the field of lights.
Departing 30th August 2016 from Sydney and returning 2 September this programme covers return airfares and domestic taxes flying with Virgin Australia* , 3 nights at the Voyages Outback Pioneer Hotel in a standard room with full breakfast daily, the Field Of Lights Star Pass, return transfers between the airport and accommodation in Ayers Rock, an Uluru Sunrise and Kata Juta Tour, an Uluru Sunset and BBQ Dinner, and Free Indigenous Guest Activities Programme.
Fully Escorted from Sydney (once we have a minimum of 12 travellers) this programme prices in at AU$1443 per person in share twin!*
If you would like to book aboard this departure or would like further details please contact us at My Travel Expert on (02) 4421 5577 or nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
* Terms & Conditions: Restrictions and Conditions apply. Valid for sale 15 Apr – 31 May 16. Prices are per person, twin share, inclusive of GST & are correct at 15May 16. Prices are subject to change without notice & subject to availability at time of booking. Seasonal surcharges & blackout dates may apply. Vouchers are per room unless otherwise specified. Other room types may be available, ask for details. National Park entry fees are payable direct & not included in package price. Wi-Fi internet may contain reasonable use limits, please enquire at check-in.*based on “s” grade available air fare as at 18 May, if unavailable at the time of booking, best available fare will be applied. Please note that escort and cost is based on a minimum of 12 Travellers
Girls Day Out & Islands On Sale
My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters are proud to again be sponsoring the Girls Day Out at the Shoalhaven City Turf Club. This year, with Viva Holidays we are offering a travel prize of AU$1000 which you can use towards any of their destinations worldwide, from Australia to the USA, from Europe to Asia that Viva Holidays have on offer.
At the moment there are a fantastic array of Island Specials available with Viva Holidays which runs all through May – covering Island Getaways across the Pacific, Asia, and Europe with packages starting as low as AU$699 per person – so if you were looking to get away on a tropical break, or escape the winter chill, then now is the time to book!
Otherwise if you want to see how your luck holds at the races, and take a shot at a travel prize worth AU$1,000 then we look forward to seeing you at Girls Day out on the 22nd May 2016 at the Shoalhaven City Turf Club!
Solo Asia with Wendy Wu
Here at Shoalhaven Solo Sisters and My Travel Expert, when we work to match up Solo Travellers our aim to see that we match you up with someone that you believe you might be compatible with. We do know though that there are those solo travellers out there who don’t mind who they are matched up with – and figure on a tour of a week or two they should be able to put up with a stranger for a week or two.
For BOTH of those kind of travellers, we have something here you may like!
Wendy Wu, one of our preferred industry partners have 3 fantastic Solo Departures on offer for 2016 with voyages to India, Vietnam and China. Inclusive of Airfares, Sightseeing, Accommodation, Visas, some meals and more these tours also offer no single supplement costs and guaranteed single rooms on all 3 departures!
So if you have always wanted to get a taste of China, Vietnam or India now is the time! Just contact My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters on (02) 4421 5577 or email us today at nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
Encounter Singapore With The Experts
On the doorstep of South East Asia, Singapore, is the first step for many travellers encountering Asian Culture for the first time. Modern, Metropolitan and Magnificent, My Travel Expert wants to show you what we are doing in Singapore this October with a fantstic group tour taking in the highlights of this incredible Island Nation. From Steel Gardens to Wildlife Parks there is always something in Singapore to experience and we want to show it to you! So join us on the 11th of February from 4pm and see what we are planning, and if interested place your name down on this one off departure!
To register just Click Here!
My Cruise Expo Deals – For a Limited Time Only!
What a fantastic Expo! Our thanks to all Exhibitors and Attendees for a great night – and for those that are looking to cruise, now is your chance to take advantage of all that there was to offer!
From the 15 suppliers, and dozens of cruise lines available for inspection of the night we have put together a brochure with over 50 pages of specials, deals and cruise packages that are on sale through My Travel Expo until the end of this week (Thursday 24th March) – many of which are exclusive to My Travel Expert!
If you want to review these specials, click here!
From Asian River Cruising with Wendy Wu, to enjoying the rugged adventure of a sailing ship with Star Clippers, or the luxury of a Scenic Cruise we have a fantastic array of specials available now for you to take advantage of!
Just call us on (02) 4421 5577 or email nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
Exhibitor Intro: The Cruise Team
With our Cruise Expo TODAY we have one last supplier to give you a preview for and it is the one that ties a lot of the others together. If you book any cruise tonight or in the next few weeks with us then there is a good chance that this supplier with be the one helping us to ensure you get away. This “Cruise Consolidator”is one of our biggest partners and with whom we are one of their select premium preferred agents ..
The Cruise Team has an incredible array of Cruise Lines it works with and combined with their ties to Qantas Holidays, Viva Holidays and Rail Tickets they can help make an incredible all round package when needed from flights to pre and post tour accommodation and touring to Cruising.
At this stage the cruise lines they handle include: American Cruise Lines, APT Cruising, Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways, Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Australia, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Coral Expeditions, Costa Cruises, CroisiEurope, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Hapag Lloyd, Heritage Expeditions, Holland America Line, Hurtigruten, Island Escape, Katarina Line, MSC Cruises, North Star Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O Australia, P&O World Cruising, Pandaw River Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Ponant, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Sea Cloud Cruises, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea, Star Clippers, Star Cruises, Swan Hellenic, Un-Cruise Adventures, Uniworld River Cruises, Variety Cruises, Viking River Cruises, Voyages of Discovery, Voyages To Antiquity, VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY SHIP, MV Aegean Odyssey, Windstar Cruises
That is quite a roll-call! For those that plan to attend tonight to speak with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity , MSC or Cunard then make this your stop!
Over the past few weeks we have spoken about al sorts of cruise lines for River Cruising and Ocean Cruising and of all those that the Cruise Team Handle there is one that we would like to highlight for its differences, for its “Stand Out”performance .. Disney Cruise Lines
With Live Shows nightly, Character experiences with everyone from Darth Vader and Captain America to Mickey and Goofy, Deck Parties, Super Slides, youth Clubs, Night Clubs, Pools, Spa and Wellness Centres, fitness centres, a huge range of dining options and a vast array of fantastic destinations visited from the Caribbean to the Inside Passage, Disney Cruise Lines is one of the most incredible Cruise Lines out there for Families. From shooting through Pool Slides to Royal Tea with a Disney Princess, from a late night Drink to a well deserved massage – there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy on one of these cruises. (Please note that Star Wars Day at Sea sailings end April 2016 as the below video states, but will be returning for January to April 2017)
So if you are thinking of Cruising then come down and speak with the experts tonight at My Cruise Expo between 5pm and 8pm at Worrigee Ex-Servicemans Club from 5pm!
Register Your Attendance Today!
Exhibitor Intro: Windstar Cruises & Tauck
We have two exhibitors today – or rather one with two unique products that we need to get a preview of. One is a boutique ocean cruise line and the other is a Tour and River Cruise operator that many often overlook here in Australia.
Tauck is a company that originated in American that has expanded over the years and has now been a growing presence in the Australian market for over 15 years. Tauck specialise in unforgettable experiences whether on tour or cruising, and pride themselves on incredible service and experiences for reasonable prices.
With Tauck’s river cruises, you can expect to see the sights a bit differently than you would with anyone else. The custom-designed riverboats of Tauck’s Destination Fleet are spacious and comfortable, welcoming you to an onboard experience characterized by the Tauck Difference – all-inclusive river cruises featuring personalised cruising enhanced by those “little Tauck touches;” such as private events like dinner and a performance at the Imperial Palace in Vienna or a private tour of Prague’s Baroque Libraries at Strahov Monastery. The intimate, club-like atmosphere onboard, and the uncommon access to exclusive cultural experiences on our included excursions ashore, ensure experiences as memorable as the places you visit.
The second of the cruise lines I would like to introduce you to today is Windstar Cruises. Windstar are some of the best small ship cruises available on the market with 3 classic cruise ships that house under 300 passengers and 3 sail yachts that are the image of Windstar. Windstar Cruises’ small ships are exactly the right size — large enough to pamper and entertain you in the comfort you desire and expect while cruising, yet small enough to visit the tiny harbours and hidden coves that others can’t reach. With only 148 to 310 guests cruising with you, the intimate experience that Windstar provides makes the cruise feel all about you.
Windstar Cruises offers voyages along the Italian Coastline, throughout the Mediterranean including the Greek Island and Turkey, they journey through the waters of Northern Europe, Tahiti, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal and into the Caribbean. With Windstar additional package services you can opt to include all your drinks, or for regular laundry service if you wish to pack light. Windstar Cruises are truly an intimate and incredible small ship experience.
So if a quality river cruise at affordable prices, or a unique ad intimate small ship experience sounds like the way to sail then why not stop by and speak with the Tauck and Windstar Expert at My Cruise Expo on the 17th March at Worrigee Ex-Servicemans Club from 5pm!
Register Your Attendance Today!
Exhibitor Intro: Cruise Traveller & Avalon Waterways
Today I would like to talk about two of our Exhibitors that will offer you not just the classic river cruises you know and love, but a selection of truly unique cruising opportunities. So lets start with one of what you may call our “Cruise Consolidators”a single company representing many cruise lines
Cruise Traveller has a variety of cruises with ships run by companies like Adventure Canada, American Cruise Lines, Aqua Cruises, Atmosphere, Azamara, Celestyal, Hebridean, Island Escape Cruises, Kararina Line, Locaboat Holidays, Natural Habitat Adventures, One Ocean Expeditions, Pearl Seas Cruises, Ponant, Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, Sea Cloud Cruises, Star Clippers, True North, Variety Cruises, Voyages of Discovery, Amazon Nature Tours, Antarctica XXI, Assam Bengal Navigation, Australis, Back-Roads Barging, European Waterwaysm Hapag-Lloyd, Jayavarman & Jahan, Linbald-National Geographic, Mahanaahu, Noble Caledonia, Pandaw, Polar Latitudes, Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, Seabourn, Silversea, Swan Hellenic, Uncruise, Voyages to Antiquity and Zegrahm Expeditions.
I would love to talk about all of these incredible cruising options but alas space is limited – so if you really want the information then I suggest coming along to the expo and speaking with the expert in person! I will though talk about one of the cruising options because it is a little different to anything we have previewed before today, or will preview before the expo. So let us talk about Locaboat.
Lakes, rivers, canals, beautiful landscapes, small villages and magnificent but often unknown monuments… Boating holidays with Locaboat provides the opportunity to discover the most beautiful regions of France and Europe during enchanting excursions along the waterways. These are not your typical European River Cruise though as you board and conduct our own voyage on one of Locaboats amazing river boats and barges that journey along not just the major but the minor waterways of France and Europe. Locaboaty offers you a cruising option that lets you travel exactly at your own pace and discover a lot of off the beaten track destinations.
Our other Supplier for today is a stark change, a single operator, who like Locaboat does specialise in Europe but in an entirely different manner …
Avalon Waterways is an incredible, affordable cruising option for Europe and Asia. While it might not include the signature experiences of some of the five star lines, or all your drinks, the cruises operated by Avalon truly cover what most people desire of a river cruise – a fantastic comfortable well appointed ship that people can enjoy the amenities of, a delicious on-board menu of meals for the duration of your travel, incredible sightseeing options for every port of call, and great on-board entertainment options. So if you have had the urge to cruise the Danube, Moselle, Rhine, Rhone, Saone, Seine, Irrawaddy & the Mekong then Avalon gives you a fantastic and affordable alternative.
The upside of travelling with Avalon Waterways is that it is part of the Globus family which means that the river cruises are combinable with pre and post city stays with Monograms, a fantastic provider of short stay independent programmes, or longer tours with Globus or Cosmos who can help you get around to see some of the sights you may have missed while cruising
Also by combining multiple tours and cruises with the Globus family you can also get the added benefit of multiple programme discounts which means should (for example) you wish to combine a Danube Cruise with a Rhine/Rhone Cruise then you can do so and receive a generous discount off the second programme.
So if a cruise that is markedly different or a fantastic affordable river cruise, if either sound appealing why not come and speak with the experts from the Cruise Traveller and Avalon Waterways at My Cruise Expo on the 17th March at Worrigee Ex-Servicemans Club from 5pm!
Register Your Attendance Today!
Exhibitor Intro: Wendy Wu & Carnival Cruises
So today we have a couple of exhibitors to introduce to you! With just three days to go before our Expo we have plenty to still tempt you into coming down! Today I want to let you know about one of our fantastic River Cruise operators and one of our more popular Ocean Cruise Providers.
Here in Australia one of the more popular tour operators headed into Asia is Wendy Wu Tours, and people love their journeys through China and India and beyond. What many do not realise is that Wendy Wu Tours also offer a fantastic range of Cruise and Tour Combinations that will allow you to explore the waterways of Asia.
Along the Mekong you can cruise the lower Mekong between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City – possibly the most popular area of the river for tourists. You can also take cruising options along the upper mekong starting at Kampong Cham in Thailand and cruising varying sections up until the island and waterfalls that will eventually flow down to tonle Sap! If we stay within the Indo-China region you can also explore the Red River in northern Vietnam
In China you can have the options of the standard 4 day short cruise along the Yangtze or a longer 8 day sailing. either are combinable with tours that can take in the waterways of the South around Guilin and beyond. In Myanmar you can journey the Irrawaddy (or Ayeryaddy as some call it) between Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake visiting some of the highlights of the country .. or you can take an off the beaten path trip and cruise the Chinidwan or Saleen Rivers.
If that isn’t enough then Wendy Wu can also take you on some of the most relaxing boat trips in India either on a group tour or a solo adventure as you discover the backwaters of Kerala, the peaceful lake life in Srinigar or maybe even a cruise along the Ganges or Brahmaputra. As you can see if Cruising the waterways of Europe is dominated by a small number of Cruise lines, Wendy Wu Tours has access to the best range of cruising options throught the Asian Region.
If river cruising though does not sound like the right choice at the moment, or you have a family with you that doesn’t necessarily enjoy sightseeing then the option remains to check-aboard with todays other Exhibitor – Carnival Cruises!
While the name is now becoming familiar to Australian travellers with the new Carnival Legend arriving in 2015 and the Carnival Spirit a few years earlier, the Carnival Cruise Line has been around for some time and firmly established their place within the worlds cruise industry.
From Austrlian waters you will find cruises on Carnival that will take you out to discover Tasmania, New Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Singapore, Hawaii, the Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand. Internationally they have cruises that cover the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, Panama, Alaska, Canada and New England, Hawaii and Europe. A list of fantastic destinations though is not the only draw card that Carnival have up their sleeve.
Carnival Ships are often referred to as “Funships”and for good reason. Built as the ultimate floating resort they have giant slides, rock climbing, golfing, swimming and more to keep the kids and healthier adults active. There are kid clubs with special themes and shows, regular trivia and other events daily for the adults, and the nights are filled with dances, parties and shows. You can catch a movie at their in-house theatre, or for the adults you can retreat to an adults only R&R area to avoid the swarms of kids and families. With a range of dining options from burger joints to fine dining, from seafood to a kids breakfast with Dr Seuss there is something for everyone to enjoy whilst aboard one of Carnivals Funships.
So If exploring Asia on a river Cruise or taking the family out of a floating resort sounds like the way to spend your next Vacation then why not come down and speak with the experts from Wendy Wu Tours and Carnival Cruises at My Cruise Expo on the 17th March at Worrigee Ex-Servicemans Club from 5pm!
Register Your Attendance Today!
Exhibitor Intro: Viking Cruises
The name may summon up images of long-ships and harsh weather, but the truth is that the cruise line known as Viking Cruises is a touch of elegance and decadence within a price range for most travellers, and we are proud to have them joining us as an exhibitor at My Cruise Expo on the 17th March 2015 at Worrigee Ex-Servicemans club from 5pm.
For a number of years Viking have been for many a more affordable way of Cruising the rivers of Europe like the Danube, the Rhine, the Rhone and the Volga. Like many of their luxury counterparts they have well appointed vessels, full meal service, daily touring – they just cut back on some of the unnecessary luxuries like unlimited alcohol, or personal butlers. Today Viking continue to offer the same fantastic service at reasonable prices and have extended their cruise range beyond Europe to Asia where their vessels now ply the Mekong, the Yangtze and the Irrawaddy.
One of the reasons that river cruising is so popular is that as a form of touring it is the perfect way to relax, while being able to get about and see a lot of different sites, not have to worry about meals, and enjoy being able to unpack once and not need to worry over the repacking for bus trips every night or two.
Viking Cruises have been doing this on the rivers of the world for some time but in 2015 took the entire concept one step further and introduced their own Ocean Cruise Vessels and Cruising range – ocean cruises that in many way mirror river cruises. They take you from one incredible destination to the next (such as Stockholm to St Petersburg), they include all your meals, they include not only all your touring but onboard talks and lectures by the experts in the sights and places you can see and the history surrounding them, plus like a river cruise you unpack once and enjoy the journey!
Viking Ocean Cruises have a number of fantastic sailings around the Baltic, North Atlantic and Mediterranean regions of Europe that will leave you desiring more. From short week-long cruises to their epic 50 day Istanbul to Stockholm Sailing they have something for everyone.
So does a Viking Cruise sound like something to get the blood pumping and the gears going? Come down and speak with the experts from Viking Cruises at My Cruise Expo on the 17th March at Worrigee Ex-Servicemans Club from 5pm!
Register Your Attendance Today!
My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters 