Blog Archives
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!
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.
Why You Should Consider Joining Us On An African Experience
While the above image is fairly typical of what most people expect to see in Africa – majestic wildlife, in surreal landscapes – there is much more to an African Experience than just the wildlife sightseeing – even if that will take up a huge swathe of our time. So what else is there to look forward to you may ask?
First we have the natural sights and locations. On our tour we skirt the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. We wonder at the incredible lakes and their bird-life including Lake Naivisha, Lake Manyara and Laka Nakuru. We see the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti where you even have the chance to take a balloon ride to get it all in perspective.We get a chance to see the unique landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Volcano.
Then there is how we rest at night. While we do have your usual hotel or two we expand on that and take in some of the best ways to encounter Africa with stays at permanent tented camps, some of which are better than local lodges and hotels, seasonal tented camps – located specifically to make wildlife sightseeing easier, and then there is the Ngorongro Farmstead a unique farm-style lodge that bring back tastes of regional Africa. The accommodation itself is part of the experience.
Finally there are the people of Kenya and Tanzania themselves, during our trip we will be able to see the modern cities, traditional villages and lifestyles, we will see Soapstone carving and visit local orphanages.
Wildlife, Stunning Vistas, Friendly People and a variety of accommodation – Africa is a destination with something for everyone. Should you wish to join our departure in June 2016, you can review the tour here, or contact us at My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters on (02) 4421 5577 or nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au for more details
Mississippi, Mekong, Rhine & Rhone Cruises – Book now and Save
In 2016 and 2017 My Travel Expert and the Shoalhaven Solo Sisters have group departures on three fantastic river Cruises. In May 2016 we have a Mississippi Cruise, in August 2016 we have a combination Rhine and Rhone River Cruise and in February 2017 we have Mekong River Expedition.
These are run in conjunction with our industry partners (Evergreen Tours and Travelmarvel), and are subject to our partners deals and specials – that means if you want to look at early booking discounts, fly free deals, early payment discounts and more, than now is the time to make your reservation and lock in your spot aboard one of these fantastic cruises!
For more details please contact My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters on (02) 4421 5577 or email us at nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au
Solo Supplements Waived – Uniworld
On the heels of our last notice about discounted river cruising we are please to let you all know that Uniworld River Cruises have released a selection of 2016 cruise programmes where they are waiving their single supplement costs! So if you have wanted to cruise Europe but have been hesitant because you don’t have someone to travel with and don’t wish to pay a huge single supplement – this is the perfect chance for you to get away! For more details please contact My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters 
Save on Russian River Cruising
If you have ever dreamt of getting away of a Russian River Cruise – now may be your chance to Experience the Volga with some fantastic Solo Traveller Costs with the EETB. These are limited specials so if its something you are seeking you should move fast!
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
SOLO TRAVELLER OFFERS: 2016 FRANCE & EUROPE RIVER CRUISING WITH SCENIC
In 2016, Scenic are offering single traveller deals that range from NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT to 50% OFF SINGLE SUPPLEMENT on selected departures, which also includes a welcome reception to meet other like-minded single travellers on each departure.
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON ANY CABIN CATEGORY ON BOARD A SCENIC SPACE-SHIP,
Prices start from $6,465
Available on:
- Jewels of Europe (STC) Departing 09, 14, 16, 23, 28 Mar. 25, 27 Apr. 05, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 Oct. 02, 07 Nov
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle (AMBA) 30 Mar. 06, 13, 25 Apr. 03, 19 Oct.
- Beautiful Bordeaux (BOD) 26 Apr. 03 Oct.
- South of France (FRAC) 18, 25 Apr. 03, 10 Oct
- Gems of the Seine (SEI) 26 Apr. 13 Oct
50% OFF SINGLE SUPPLEMENT* ON SELECTED DEPARTURES in a Category BA Balcony Suite
Available on limited sailings of the following cruises On: 15 Day Jewels of Europe (STC) 15 Day Romantic Rhine & Moselle (AMBA), 11 Day Beautiful Bordeaux (BOD) 13 Day South of France (FRAC) 11 Day Gems of the Seine (SEI) 8 Day Dutch Sights & Belgian Delights (TUAA) 8 Day Idyllic Rhône (FCCC), Unforgettable Douro (DOUR) Rhine Highlights (AMBC) – specific dates and sailings apply, please see you travel expert for more details
My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters 