Monthly Archives: June 2012

This week in Luxury

29 Friday Jun 2012

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I love Friday’s and getting to see what is happening in the World of Luxury, it keeps me inspired to keep pushing myself and styling my clients holidays to their exact liking.

TRAVEL TRENDS

The new sophisticated traveller is rejecting ‘vanilla’ trips to well-known destinations infavour of Yangtze River cruises, holidays on the Galapagos Islands and high-end safaris. Customers are increasingly sourcing exclusive experiences, like adventures to the South Pole and other unexplored locations; but make no mistake – there is to be no stinting on quality, no matter how remote the destination is. In fact, the variety of options available in the lux travel market these days is serving only to push client’s expectations even higher.

New experiences include such things as culinary classes hosted by Michelin- starred chefs, VIP shopping trips and exclusive access to high-end social events.

ZANZIBAR LUXE FOR LESS

New special offers at Zanzibar’s most luxurious resort and spa are bound to attract attention. The Arabian influenced Baraza Resort & Spa, built to resemble an ancient Sultan’s palace, is offering 10% discounts for bookings made six months in advance. Other deals include a free night if you pay for three in a Garden View Villa, and a free                                                                                                                      night for six-night bookings.

CUISINE CULTURE

Luxe India, is planning a new trip exploring India through its cuisine. Luxe India’s tour
 is led by a noted food enthusiast who gastronomically unravels both history and culture behind the traditional cuisines.

South east coast of Vietnam, Anantara Mui Ne Resort and Spa is promoting local cuisine through cookery lessons with the hotel’s chef plus cheese and wine pairings.

Chateau de Mercues in France sits a Relais & Chateaux castle offering wine tours beginning on the terrace of the medieval castle.

In South America, Aqua Expeditions is blending cruising with culinary Peruvian delights.

And in Europe, Plenia Spain is offering a four-day Asturian experience sampling local cider, pungent cheese, regional seafood and visits to the region’s most acclaimed restaurants.

ARCTIC ADVENTURES

Poseidon Arctic Voyages operate the only icebreaker expedition cruises to Franz Josef Land archipelago, the closest land to the North Pole as well as being instrumental in opening up Russia’s unexplored Arctic territories. The UK company ran its first North Pole icebreaker expeditioncruise in 2001, before developing the unique and spectacular Transpolar Bridge route from Murmansk to Pevek. Passengers from all over the world often see polar bears and walruses close up and if lucky, polar foxes and whales.

KIDS ON SAFARI

Deep in the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa an old farmhouse has been transformed to become the Morukuru Family’s newest luxury accommodation. Morukuru Family now offers three stunning accommodation options and is the worthy winner of a TripAdvisor 2012 Certificate of Excellence plus a 2011 World Luxury Hotels award. Known for its exciting game drives and exquisite food, Morukuru is also ideal for children, with a range of exciting activities including fishing, bush explorations and BBQs. Kids receive a backpack full of educational and entertaining goodies and a nanny service is also available.

VIETNAMS GRAND TOURISM OPENING

The largest tourism complex in Vietnam is opening its doors early next year. MGM Grand Ho Tram is an integrated luxury five-star resort and entertainment destination, the first component of a multi- site property. The first phase includes 541 luxury guest rooms and suites, a luxury spa, nine restaurants, four bars and lounges, a retail shopping area plus conference and convention centre. The second phase will result in a new tower housing 549 new guest rooms.

TO BOOK THESE DEALS OR ANY OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS PLEASE CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL STYLIST TODAY.

SEASON TRAVEL

Weddings in Hawaii

27 Wednesday Jun 2012

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In the past few weeks I have been asked by a few clients about getting Married in the fabulous Hawaii, so I thought why not share my information and knowledge.

The fresh, floral air energises you. The warm, tranquil waters refresh you. The breathtaking, natural beauty renews you. Look around. There’s no place on earth like Hawaii. Whether you’re a new visitor or returning, our six unique islands offer distinct experiences that will entice any traveller. I warmly invite you to explore their islands and discover your ideal travel experience.

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We can help organise bridal registries too, so that will make your dream honeymoon become a reality.

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OAHU

Waialae Beach Park

Waialae Beach Park is a semi private beach. This is our most requested Wedding location. Itis a beach park with a beautiful peninsula and Small Island, and lovely landscaping & coconut trees, making the perfect backdrop for your Wedding in Hawaii.

MakapuuThe location of Makapu is stunning with the deep blue ocean waves, bare lava rocks ,mountainous cliffs and beautiful volcanic beaches. The historic makapuu light house is home to this location of beauty.

 


Magic Island

Magic Island is on the wedge-shaped peninsula extending from Ala Moana Park out to alagoon with a curved sandy beach, awesome views of Waikiki coastline & Diamond Head and the park terminates in a massive rock jetty.


Diamond Head

When you see Diamond Head you know you have arrived in magnificent Honolulu. AHonolulu Wedding dream is blessed by the old world famous volcano known as Diamond Head. The backdrop in your wedding day pictures will be one of the highlights of your magical and enchanted wedding day.

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MAUI

Maui “The Magic Isle” is the second largest Hawaiian island, a popular destination for visitors who are looking for a sophisticated diversion and amenities in the small towns and airy resorts spread throughout the island.

Weddings, whether your planning a casual beach wedding on the shores of West Maui or a lavish ceremony in a five diamond resort in Wailea, Maui meets every expectation.

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KAUA’I

Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest island and is sometimes called the ‘Garden Isle’ which is anentirely accurate description.

Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls. Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air, revealing views beyond your imagination.

Weddings, say your vows on the North shore sun or on the sands of the South shore or on a historic estate like Kilohana.

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Legal information

Hawaii Marriage License

It is don’t include the cost of your marriage licence and you will need to make your own way to the State Department of Health to obtain the licence. It is MANDATORY that you apply for your marriage license before your scheduled wedding date. Your license may be obtained at the State Department of Health which is open, Monday- Friday 7:45 am to 4:00 pm (last appointment to arrive by 3:30 pm). Due to new security measures at State offices, only the individuals applying for the license are asked to appear.

Requirements needed to apply for your marriage license is a Valid Photo ID and $60.00 CASH. If you have been married before, you will need to know the month and year that your divorce was finalised. No paperwork is required. Do not forget to bring your marriage license with you to your ceremony.

It is possible to obtain your marriage licence after hours or on weekends or holidays but a special appointment must be arranged prior to your departure. Your wedding consultant will be able to assist you with this.

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For more information on weddings in Hawaii or any other travel destinations please feel free to contact  me:

Jodie Sara

Personal Travel Stylist

Season Travel

jodie@seasontravel.com.au

1300 577 715

+61 414 622 578

The Week in Luxury

24 Sunday Jun 2012

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Facelift for a Grand Dame.

Fresh from a two year $50million renovation, the 5-star Schweizerhof in Bern is the
Swiss federal capital’s new shining star. Fusing grand tradition with contemporary flair and offering exclusive service, the hotel overlooks the UNESCO-listed streets of the old medieval town.

 

Stylish Transfers To Tokoriki

Visitors to Fiji’s Tokoriki Island Resort can travel in true Hollywood style – for free for a limited time – with seaplane, helicopter, ocean charter or South Sea cruise return transfers as a new added bonus. This means couples can save up to AUD950 if they are staying seven or more nights in a Deluxe Beach Bure or a Sunset Pool Villa.

Heleskiing to New Heights
 

New heliski packages are set to make secret hideaway, Whare kea Lodge, even more
 of a unique alpine adventure. Already an exhilarating experience, New Zealand’s luxury private lodge only accommodates 12 guests on the shores of Lake Wanaka, famed for its globally sought after ski-fields. The heliski packages include either unlimited group heliski or exclusive charter, full meet and greet services, airport transfers and of course luxury accommodation. As well there is a private host and professional heliski guide to co-ordinate all arrangements and express access to operators within the region. Whare kea Lodge, an award winning member of Relais and Chateaux, offers access to almost every adventure, sport and outdoor pursuit all year round .

Canada and Alaska with APT

APT has created a Canada- Alaska tour-cruise for 2013’s ‘Platinum Collection’. The 27-day Rockies & Alaska Discovery Cruise takes place aboard the newly-acquired 114-passenger expedition ship, MS Caledonian Sky. This boutique, deluxe style holiday includes rail & coach touring through The Rockies in maximum 28-passenger groups, high quality hotel rooms, flying in a float plane over Georgia Strait & 12 days cruising into  places not accessible to large ocean cruisers.  A companion-fly-free deal applies for bookings made before 15 October, ex. taxes, with a saving of up to AUD4,080 per couple.

Cruise Antartica with Abercrombie and Kent’s founder Geoffrey Kent.

Kent started Abercrombie & kent (A&K) 50 years ago. Kent is marking this milestone by travelling back to the white continent after 20 years, on A&k’s Classic Antarctica journey. This is the culmination of his pledge to visit all seven continents during A&k’s Anniversary year. He will join A&k guests on board MV ‘Le Boreal’s’ departure 28 November – 9 December 2012.

“I first travelled to Antarctica in 1992 and it’s been calling to me ever since,” says Kent. “Last time I travelled on one of the first expedition ships. I’m looking forward to returning on ‘Le Boreal,’ which brings an extraordinary level of luxury and style to the ends of the earth.”

Also onboard will be professional photographer and coach Richard Harker who will share the best ways to capture the beauty of the dramatic scenery and exquisite wildlife.

A Wonderland For Children
Laucala Island, Fiji, is truly a wonderland for children of all ages. The kids’ welcome package includes a map of the island, a compass and a disposable camera for junior adventurers, while the Kids’ Club boasts activities such as wood carving, bubble-making courses, fish feeding, mountain biking, pony rides and knee

boarding. Children are invited to expand their horizons with soap-making lessons in the spa or to spend a day in the kitchen cooking a storm with the chefs.

My Tahitian Paradise

22 Friday Jun 2012

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I remember sitting at work and my boss at the time turned around and said “I’m so impressed with you and your hard work that I’m sending you to Tahiti”

Can you ask for a better day!!

Flying with Air Tahiti we flew straight into Papeete. First stop the Intercontinental Tahiti, it has long been rated one of the best resorts on the mainland and you can see why.

It is located alongside the lagoon with a view of Tahiti’s sister island, Moorea. The resort features two restaurants, Le Lotus and Le Tiare, and three bars, the Tiki Bar, Le Lotus Swim-Up Bar and the Lobby Bar. Le Lotus restaurant is completely secluded at the far end of the resort and features cuisine from Chef Bruno Schmitt, formerly of three-Michelin star restaurant L’Auberge d’Ill in France.

There is a choice of Standard and  Deluxe rooms, suites and also the option over the over-water bungalows. All amazing views over the lush gardens or a panoramic view of the lagoon and ocean beyond.

Next stop Moorea - A few minutes from the island of Tahiti by plane, and only thirty minutes by high-speed catamaran, Moorea soars magically out of the ocean in an explosion of green velvet.

I really enjoyed Moorea, it is absolutely stunning but the plus is there are activities to do there too. What better way to see the Island then on a 4 wheel drive Safari, so many wonderful sights to stop and look at, Belvedere Look out is a must, to stand so high looking out of the stunning Tahitian Islands really is breathtaking, you also have pineapple plantations, gorgeous natural waterfalls which we stopped and hopped under and not to forget the Rum factory, now you can sit back and watch or you can par-take in sampling the local produce, starting quite low in alcoholic % and working the way all the way up to 80%. Way too strong for my likings. But when in Rome..

The Island is full of amazing resorts but there really is accommodation for everyone’s budget, but the big players are all there you can choose from the Sofitel, the Hilton, The Pearl, The Intercontinental and plenty more. It really is hard to say which one is the best as they are all perfect.

 

Bora Bora Cruises – ultimate luxury cruising.

Elegant, distinguished, cosmopolitan in style the TU MOANA and the TI’A MOANA present a svelte profile.

Appreciate the cool privacy of your guestroom prepared with you in mind, like in a Bora Bora hotels room, plunge into the delicious comfort of fine Swedish linen and a Kenzo exclusive bed throw.

Settle into the surroundings minimalist and refined, stylish furnishing, unique blow glass pieces. Here comfortable space meets hi-tech flat screen LCD televisions, Individual CD/DVD players, satellite accessed telephones and internet..

The design of the yachts was made to create a cosy ambiance, refined, very chic, yet relaxed and informal where the desire to go barefooted is rewarded with contact on soft carpets, rugs and precious woods.

You really get to appreciate the sheer beauty through French Polynesia’s Leeward Islands, in a unique, exclusive and sophisticated manner. Share an experience outside of the usual tourist clichés. Getting to experience breakfast in the warm lagoons with fish swimming around you, really was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Saving the best for Last – BORA BORA!

 

Honestly is there any place that is more amazing and breathtaking then Bora Bora, it really is like Heaven on Earth.

One of the most enjoyable activities we did (apart from being spoilt rotten) was definitely Swimming with the sharks and sting ray. What an awesome opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificant marine creatures.

No matter where you look, the amount of detail that the resorts have gone to is mind blowing. No expenses have been spared.

I was lucky enough to experience a stunning beach bungalow and also the  over-water bungalow’s at the Le Meridien Bora Bora, both options are just devine to wake up to the views of Bora Bora each morning was a really surreal feeling. And to make it just that little bit more special, breakfast was delivered by canoe..

 

The choice of upmarket resorts here really comes down to personal choice.

These are the places to stay when you want to be pampered, waited upon at request, live the life of luxury and basically have your every whim catered to.

 

Bora Bora Pearl Resort & Spa

 

 

 

Sofitel Bora Bora

 

 

 

Four Seasons Bora Bora

 

 

 

Intercontinental Bora Bora

 

 

Le Meridien Bora Bora

 

 

Whether you want a private island picnic near Bora Bora or a canoe delivered breakfast in your overwater bungalow, Tahiti is the ultimate South Pacific island paradise. Let me be your key into the magic of the Tahitian islands – I promise you’ll want to come back.

Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations.

19 Tuesday Jun 2012

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1. Bora Bora, Tahiti – Bora Bora is the epitome of a postcard-perfect South Pacific island; one that lives up to its reputation of providing a magical experience for newlywed couples. From the majestic twin peaks of the ancient 600m-high volcano at its centre to the numerous palm-fringed sugar-white beaches around the lagoon, Bora Bora offers an exotic experience.

2. The Maldives – The Maldives offers idyllic surroundings for honeymoon couples wanting to savour intimate moments together in a unique, serene environment.Discover a choice of tranquil and pampered settings on any of the more than 80 exclusive resort islands, which are mostly encircled by gorgeous palm-fringed and sugar-white beaches.

3.Amalfi Coast, Italy – Explore one of the most beguiling and breathtaking coastal resorts in the Mediterranean – a scenic coastline of sheer cliffs and rocky promontories layered with paster- coloured villages, vineyards and olive and lemon groves. With its huge choice of luxury hotels, stylish boutiques, lively bars and fine-dining restaurants, the Amalfi Coast is the perfect honeymoon destination in Italy

4. Maui, Hawaii – Say ‘aloha’ to Maui – the number one honeymoon destination in Hawaii and one of the world’s best honeymoon destinations! Blessed with gorgeous white-sand beaches, lush tropical rainforest, stunning waterfalls, rugged volcanic peaks and fabulous resorts, the ‘Valley Island’ of Maui offers all the ingredients you need for a magical honeymoon experience.

5. Mauritius – Known as ‘The Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the tropical island paradise of Mauritius is a one of the world’s best honeymoon destinations. Famous for its outstanding natural beauty, Mauritius offers a paradise of endless white tropical beaches that are perfect for enjoying the warm, crystalline sea and soaking up the sun with your partner.

6. Bali, Indonesia – Bali is one of Asia’s most exotic, tranquil and romantichoneymoon destinations. Blessed with a rich and ancient culture, Bali is home to great natural beauty, friendly people and sun-kissed beaches that offer numerous fun-filled activities for your honeymoon. In Bali, it’s easy to discover all you need for an unforgettable honeymoon holiday.

7. Fji – Experience one of the South Pacific’s most friendly and romantic honeymoon destinations. With its friendly ‘bula’ charm, sugar-white beaches, warm tropical breezes and intimate beach resorts specialising in honeymoon packages, Fiji is a long-time favourite with honeymoon couples. Choose from more than 300 sun-kissed tropical islands scattered across several island groups.

8. The Cook Islands – The Cook Islands are famous for unspoiled sugar-white beaches, a year- round perfect climate and friendly Polynesian people. Rarotonga, Aitutaki and ‘Atiu offer the widest choice of luxury honeymoon accommodation. Relax on a white-sand beach or choose from scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing and sea kayaking to hiking, game fishing and whale watching.

9. Ko Samui, Thailand – Discover Thailand’s second-most popular island and honeymoon destination, which offers luxurious accommodation and is fringed with several golden-sand beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Snorkel or dive the surrounding coral gardens and explore rocky headlands and offshore islands by kayak.

10. The Whitsundays, Queensland – Romantic sunsets over crystal clear waters and balmy moonlit nights under swaying palm trees make the Whitsunday Islands a truly memorable honeymoon destination for any newlywed. As one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations, the Whitsundays offer 74 islands – only eight of which are inhabited – sheltered by one of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef.

To book one of these fantastic destinations please contact Jodie – your personal travel stylist.

What’s happening in the world of luxury.

17 Sunday Jun 2012

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Raffles Celebrates 125 years with the Ultimate Luxury Package!

Thinking of travelling to Paris this year, then look no further then Raffles Le Royal Monceau. They have an amazing offer with ’125 hours in Paris’, this includes a photographer on hand just for you, a helicopter ride to the Loire Valley, an art tour, a cooking class, a spa treatment and not to forget a beautiful breakfast at the Seine.

Private Jet Tours by Captains Choice.

Think Tahiti, Central and South America, Cuba and the Azores. 22 days and ends in London.
Travellers get to explore the world in luxury on a Private Jet.
What a way to see the world.

Virgin Galactic

Think you’ve seen enough places on Earth, well you’ll be happy to know that Virgin Galactic Space Travel has been granted U.S regulatory approval for rocket-powered flight testing, taking us one step closer to Space Travel.

More than 500 passengers have already bought their tickets. So where is yours?

Why should adults have all the fun?

Luxury Bali Villas, Villa Sungai and Sungai Gold are opening up their arms to children, for the next 3 months children under 12 will stay and eat free.

Villas offer kid-friendly butlers to ensure everyone is kept happy. Pandan slippers and sarongs are given to over threes, while thirty- minute kids’ massages help them relax after a hard

day swimming in the infinity pools and dining off the lux four page kids’ menu. Mini mani/pedis? No problem. Elephant safaris? Of course, just ask. Mini golf, snorkelling, and quad bike riding can all be arranged at the click of tiny fingers. That’s got to keep them busy.

Four Season’s Bora Bora Makes More Room For Families

Responding to the family market, Four Season’s Bora Bora is offering a package that will suit family travel. When parents purchase an overwater bungalow, a second bungalow can be booked for children under 17 at 50% off. Child proof sundecks are available on request.

The deal also includes a complimentary breakfast buffet for two guests per bungalow. To make sure tiny tummies stay full, children under five receive a complimentary meal plan when their parents purchase one, while 5-12 year-olds will be offered a 50% discount off their parent’s meal plan rates. Other complimentary inclusions are the Kids for All Seasons Club, the Teen Centre at Chill Island and all non-motorized water sports equipment.

Emirates doubles the Skywards miles offer

Book any First or Business Class travel by 30th June for travel before 16 August and your Skywards miles are doubled.

Available across all of Emirates’ 124 destinations worldwide, the offer is open to both new and existing members with no limit to the amount of miles earned during the offer period.

Remember if you are after a personalised travel stylist, please contact me at www.seasontravel.com.au

What exactly is a travel stylist?

10 Sunday Jun 2012

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These days you have your own hairstylist, personal trainer and therapist. So if you’re not happy with your last packaged holiday, maybe it’s time to consult a travel stylist.

We all admit our business card, which lists our occupation as “travel stylist”, raises a few eyebrows, usually followed by a flurry of questions.

When it comes to interior decorating or our hair, we seek the guidance of an expert and if you want the best out of your travel experience, then we can help facilitate that.

We are one of a new breed of  travel planners who design experiences tailored to time-poor clients – based on an understanding of them as a person, their likes and dislikes and their personal style.

The chief executive of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents, Jayson Westbury, says the travel stylist is indeed an emerging niche that he expects will expand. He describes the stylist as a reinvention of the traditional agent in an evolving, highly competitive industry.

The benefit is that you’re guided to a travel experience that’s best suited to your personal needs, rather than being sold a package … that may not be the right fit.

Typically, specialist wholesalers and hand-picked partners do much of the background work. But – and this is their big selling point – stylists are not bound by preferred arrangements and are able to offer independent advice and recommendations.

The general manager of Elegant Resorts and Villas, Glenda McMillan-Andersson, who works closely with stylists, says they’re the ones in the background arranging everything from candlelit dinners on the beach and breakfasts delivered by canoe to over-water villas, to personal chefs cooking memorable dinners in Tuscan villas and spa treatments and restaurants.

We’ve all heard our fair share of horror stories about things that go wrong when people book online – including a hotel that didn’t even exist, and the great thing about a travel stylist is being just a phone call away if anything goes wrong at any time of day or night.

The difference between booking your holiday through a travel stylist, as opposed to a regular travel agent, is that while most agents visit the product every few years, boutique operators pretty much live and breathe the destination they sell.

Experience the difference on your next holiday with an experienced personalised Travel Stylist!

 

 

A few words can go a long way..

07 Thursday Jun 2012

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Everyone love’s a bit of feedback, especially after being in the industry for over 10 years it is nice to feel appreciated.. A few words can go a long way.

This comes from a client who’s honeymoon, well almost wasn’t a honeymoon thanks to an airline going into liquidation a day before they were meant to fly out to their gorgeous Thailand paradise..

BEST HONEYMOON EVER!!!!

Yvonne and I had everything we needed for our house.. thanks to me being a hoarder and working for Freedom for 2 years. So when we decided to get married and organise our gift registry it made perfect sense to contact our Travel agent Jodie Sara and have her organise a Travel Gift Registry for us. We gave our guests her details within a special card when we sent the invitations out and they were invited to contribute to our honeymoon adventure if they wanted.

The day before the wedding was by far the most stressful day of our lives… and I thought my job was stressful!!! far out!! What ever could go wrong, went wrong… I was coming down with the flu, the PA stopped working, The celebrants plane was delayed, the hire company for the ceremony chairs couldn’t find our payment details… you get the picture.. then my favorite happened.. Australian Air went into liquidation and our honey moon was over.. awesome!! Yvonne and I had never been on a holiday together  (that didn’t involve me making her help me make a wedding) and she had never been overseas before.. Jodie had organised this amazing Thailand adventure for us… and it wasn’t going to happen… So we came to the conclusion that we would spend our honeymoon at home as we didn’t have a spare $5000 to organise it again… and put it on the back burner…

Because she is amazing and awesome at her job.. while we were running around like crazy trying to do the finer details before our big day Jodie found us new flights, collaborated our gift registry, used this money to pay for our flights and saved the day. It could have been very pear shaped if it wasn’t for Jodie. She also put in place getting a refund through out travel insurance for the flights we missed out on.. which we got a full refund later.

If you want an amazing holiday, exceptional customer service and the knowledge of knowing your in the best possible hands for your honey moon, family holiday or your next adventure Contact our Travel Stylist Jodie Sara on Phone: +61 414 622 578 Email: jodie@fairflights.com.au or go to her website www.seasontravel.com.au. She always has a selection of amazing holidays to choose from, latest deals and tours. Her knowledge and travel experience is vast and is back by Fairflights who have 50years in the industry…. now I want to go on another holiday!!!

Gorilla’s in Uganda

01 Friday Jun 2012

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There isn’t a week that goes by when I don’t stop and think about my amazing experience in Uganda. I am constantly looking back at my photo’s and just wishing I was back there.

I’m sure we’ve all been to places before when you enjoyed yourself but it wouldn’t bother you if you didn’t go back, well I have to say Uganda was the opposite, it was much more scenic than I had first envisioned, I guess especially as we were coming over road from Kenya and to say the roads are an experience in themselves is a bit of an understatement.. Bit of advice for the ladies out there anyone with a B cup upwards you may want to take a few extra sports bra’s for the bus trips.. It is bouncccccccy..

The rooms that we stayed in were stunning, looking over this beautiful lake and just taking in the serenity. You can swim in the lake too, just growing up near the coast where I can see what is below me – there is something about swimming in lakes that freak me out, maybe I have just watched too many cliched movies..

There are 2 ways to see the Gorilla’s the easy way in or the challenging way – now when you take the first group in who are the usual “I think I’m fit enough for the challenging way” (or we are just plain stubborn) of course we were going to try for the 2nd option.

You have to remember there isn’t a guarantee that you will see the Gorilla’s, so they send the Trackers in a couple of hours earlier to at least help narrow the search down.

Within 30 seconds on getting on the track I was on my ass, the grounds were slippery and this was just the start, to say it was a difficult trek was putting it lightly – hiking shoes definitely would’ve helped a bit, as my Asics are not made for the Ugandan jungle.

You are following the gorilla’s path, so you are climbing over fallen tree’s, sliding down muddy paths trying to find a tree half way down to stop your slide, climbing under tree’s and the jungle canopy, we are about 2 hours into the trek and are down the bottom of the gulley and then its time for the ascent back up the other side, now this was challenging, you are basically on your hands and knee’s grasping at anything that will hold your bodyweight to help pull you up this steep slippery what felt like Everest at the time (ok that was a slight exaggeration but at the time it felt like that) so here we are climbing our way back up and then…..

The call comes through the trackers are just up ahead and they have found the family of Gorilla’s- I was in a world of pain by this point, 5 hours of slipping, sliding and crawling had taken it’s toll but all of that simply disappears as soon as you see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

To be within metre’s of a Silverback Mountain Gorilla is something that I will never forget, you can only sit with them and their family for a maximum of an hour as human germs can be passed on them very easily – they are on the endangered list with less than 800 Mountain Gorilla’s left in the world.

You are literally on a “Gorilla High”, we were lucky enough to see the whole family, from the Silverback all the way down to the new babies. You can totally see that we really aren’t that far along the evolution line, especially with the teenage gorilla’s having what is known as farting ping pong – not much different to teenage boys right..

These are some of my photo’s and I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I do..

If you get the chance you need to see them before their numbers reduce even further into extinction.. and remember there is Option 1 the easy path is the slipping and sliding don’t appeal to you :-)

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