Shop 12, Samford Central
Mt Glorious Road, Samford Qld 4520
Phone 3289 3700
Fax 3289 3600
Email info@travelscenesamford.com.au
| Welcome to the Green Issue of the Samford Traveller |
| Well, what a busy couple of weeks we’ve had with the chaos created by the volcanic ash flight disruptions, so I thought it timely to mention a couple of things to be wary off when booking flights/accommodation or insurance over the internet. Many internet bookers found themselves either stranded, not knowing what options were available to them, not being able to get through to the airlines, tour companies, cruise lines etc. when disaster struck - they were left out of pocket and stressed. Our travel insurance provided full coverage to our clients including accommodation, all transport and out-of-pocket expenses. The team at Travelscene worked extra hard to ensure our clients were cared for and stress free. So if you do your own insurance it’s worthwhile ringing them and asking what their policy was during this time. This issue is packed full of interesting snippets from around the world of Samford, from my recent trip on APT’s European River Cruise to the Trans Siberian railway adventure. Plus Sustainable tourism, which is of particular interest as we are a Travel with Kidz agent (one of only 3 in Brisbane), we offer “Eco Series” holiday experiences, which embrace nature, providing children of all ages the opportunity to appreciate unique parts of our planet, the beauty of the environment and what is at stake. Hike through ancient rainforests, trek and explore the rich Buddhist culture of Tibet, swim with Nemo, or experience a community project. We provide a pathway for families to support and protect the environment while on holidays. We also have information on some wonderful ladies - Kay Marco from Hectic Helpers ‘the to-do list’ specialists and Merendi Leverett on preventative medicine. Happy and Safe Travelling Joanne Harding Smith. |
| In the Spotlight |
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| Help is Here |
 Going on holiday can be a stressful time - all that last minute shopping, packing & washing....sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day! Well now there’s a new way to prepare for your break....by sitting back, relaxing and leaving the chores to your new home-life angel Kay Marco at Hectic Helpers. This Brisbane based company specialise in ‘To Do Lists’, and will run any errand to make your pre-trip preparations a whole bunch easier! Hectic Helpers can help you out whether you’ve a pile of laundry to contend with, last minute jobs to do, or you simply need a housesitter to manage your mail, feed the pets or restock the fridge for you return. As long as its legal, moral and ethical, Hectic Helpers will do the deed! But they’re not just domestic saviours in the holiday season, Hectic Helpers can help with everyday tasks such as bill paying, decluttering offices, spring cleaning or ebaying to name but a few. For a full list of services please visit www.hectichelpers.com.au or call Kay on 0409 827 185 for more information. |
| Look at where Joanne has been! |
| I’ve just come back from an enchanting two-week Danube, Main and Rhine cruise and wow what a breath taking experience. The days were spent gliding past grand cathedrals, medieval monasteries, craggy cliffs, castles and stunning vineyards. The cruise passed through six countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary. Once arriving into Amsterdam at 6am we were met at the airport and transferred straight to the ship. Our cabin wasn’t ready until the afternoon however in the meantime we checked-in, relaxed in the public areas where complimentary beverages were served along with lovely cuisine (more on that later). Then I unpacked once and only once for the entire duration of the holiday (my favourite bit) and then sat back as Europe was handed to me on a platter. This is river cruising at its finest, all European staff onboard were warm and delightful. With 120 pas sengers and 40 crew (9 in the kitchen alone) the service was amazing. The cuisine was inspiring with nothing appearing on the menu twice and a huge selection of local chef specialties as well as regular fare for those who miss their Caesar salads and steaks. Lovely, lovely local wines served with dinner and those cheeky waiters filling your glass at every opportunity – very dangerous. I also got to try out some regional delicacies such as juicy Bavarian Bratwurst and tasty Hungarian Goulash. We were offered up to 3 shore excursions a day (all inclusive) and by night we danced under the stars or took part in various activities such as glass blowing or learning about German history. The best time to go? Well if you travel in low season (March or November) you get to fly free and March was particularly quiet and ‘crowd’ free. The Summer, for some is the best weather, personally it can be too hot and overcrowded however the fall colors are spectacular and the temperatures are moderate. So its really down to personal preference and budget. It’s tricky to pick one highlight of the trip as there are so many to choose from but I would have to recom mend borrowing one of the bikes on board (free of charge) and cycling from Melk to Durnstein which was about 30km passing through 6 small towns and numerous wineries (we only stopped at two!). APT are now offering trips for 2011 at 2010 prices so feel free to pop in and chat to one of the team at Travelscene Samford. |
| Sustainable Tourism |
| Sustainability and tourism haven’t always been good travelling companions, after all, most touring involves the emission of greenhouse gases and can also involve the overuse of natural habitats. However, these days, smart travellers and travel agencies are doing something about that. Travelscene Samford is trying to do business more sustainably and Howard Nielsen from NAC Consulting has been working with them as part of the Samford Sustainable Business Cluster and the Samford Green Streets Program. Howard is a sustainability consultant and works with businesses and communities to help them reshape the way they live, work and play with a better economic, social and environmental balance. Here are some top green tips to travelling green:
For more information visit www.nacconsulting.com.au. Alternatively if you would like some information on some eco friendly travel destinations please feel free to pop in and see us. |
| Natural Motion Sickness & Jetlag Prevention! |
| Planning a trip abroad and worried about jetlag or feeling groggy from motion sickness? Then worry not! Merendi Leverett, a lifestyle Management Consultant and an accredited Exercise Physiologist has top tips to keep you fighting fit for your holiday abroad. Valerian, a herb used as a natural sleep aid is perfect for jetlag, it helps adjust your body clock to new time zones by helping you fall asleep at a desired time without leaving you feeling groggy! Also, avoid excess alcohol or caffeine, drink plenty of water, and eat light meals in the hours leading up to your flight! To prevent motion sickness try to avoid large, greasy meals and alcohol the night before travel. Stick to eating light meals or snacks that are low in calories in the 24 hours prior to air travel. It is also an idea to avoid salty foods and dairy products in the hours leading up to your flight.Sit towards the front of the aircraft or in a seat by the wing if you are able to. Also ensure you have the air vent flow toward your face. Some great herbal remedies you can try prior to and during flying include Ginger, which is traditionally used for nausea capsule or herbal tea. OR peppermint (Mentha piperita) has also found to be good in managing symptoms of motion sickness, again taken as a herbal tea. For more information or to contact Merendi, visit www.merendi.com.au. |
| Trans Siberian Railway |
 One need only look momentarily at a map to understand the sheer scale and engineering feat that the Trans Siberian Railway presents. A single track across the world’s largest country in the earliest years of the 20th century was indeed an ambitious project. In time rail links were made across Russia’s European frontiers and to the east into China by way of Mongolia until today where it is possible to navigate by rail an unbroken route from Hong Kong to London; an overland journey of truly epic proportions. Using a multitude of trains and the rail authorities of at least three countries most travellers today venture from Hong Kong or Beijing to St.Petersburg on a three to four week journey. Stopping to climb China’s Great Wall in one of few remote areas well beyond the busy crowds of Beijing then joining the overnight sleeper train across the Mongolian frontier to Asia’s most remote capital, Ulaanbaatar. Here the nomads of the vast steppe, descendants of the Great Khan, still live a traditional life remote and isolated from modern influences. Travellers too can get a sense of this life sleeping in a traditional Mongolian ger part of Sundowners Overland’s tour inclusions. Back on the train and after two nights and border formalities travellers wake to view stunning Lake Baikal the world’s largest body of fresh water. Almost in the Centre of Asia Irkutsk is at the confluence of the Trans Manchurian, Mongolian and Siberian railways and the hub of Siberia’s business and tourism activities and beyond it lies the legendary Trans Siberian Railway as it crosses the vast Siberian steppe booming over the bridges and vast river system of central Russia. Of course no journey would be complete without visiting the thriving cities of Moscow and St.Petersburg, Russia’s most famous jewels. With a number of styles of travel available on both the Trans Siberian Railway and the Silk Road there is sure to be a style to suit your way of travel. They could include Independent journeys where you have the flexibility to customise your own itineraries to fully guided journeys ranging from 13 days to 46 days which include both a Tour Leader for the entire trip and a local guide in each city. There are also our new style of journeys called “Experiential tours”. These trips offer you an alternative to conventional touring. They include local guides in each city but no appointed “Group Leader”. The sightseeing program will also include a range of alternate activities and sights not found on other tours, such as dinner with a local artist Yury Petrochernkov and his wife in St Petersburg and visiting a Matryoshka factory (traditional Russian nesting dolls) in Moscow and try your hand at doll making at a master class. These tours are designed to give you greater contact with local people and their daily lives while still allowing time to visit other highlights in each city. |
| Sports Travel World Cup 2010 |
| If you love football as much as you love travellling then South Africa will hit the spot this winter. As hosts of the 2010 World Cup, SA really does have something for everyone. Soak up the football fever in one of the many cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or Port Elizabeth. Take a break from the football madness and submerge yourself into the stunning natural surroundings and extraordinary wildlife and experience one of the incredible safari’s on offer - and why not visit a couple of wineries on the way! If shopping is your thing, then head to Cape Town - it has quickly became a hip, modern city with ample shopping opportunities from bustling malls, boutique fashion and intimate eateries. So pick up your bags and make your way to this fantastic African metropolis. For a holiday you won’t forget in a hurry pop into Travelscene Samford and let us plan a tailormade trip for you. |
| We’re delighted to be supporting local couple, Peter & Jenny Smith, as they take on the challenge of trekking the Great Wall of China to raise money for the Royal Childrens Hospital, Brisbane. As part of a team of 16 intrepid adventurers, Peter & Jenny Smith will be attemptng the challenge in late August and are hoping to raise over $6000 in sponsorship and donations. But before the trek kicks off, there’ll be a gentle immersion into the fundraising efforts on Saturday 16th May with a Garden Party including food, drinks guest speakers, and various raffle prizes to be won PLUS guests will even have the chance to bid for a weekend away at the lovely Peppers at Kingscliff including daily breakfast (valued at $700) courtesy of Travelscene Samford. Tickets are priced at just $50.00pp from Jenny on 0419 608700 or email smithys@onthenet.com.au. It may all sound like fun, but not forgetting it’s all in a good cause too! Each year, the Royal Children’s Hospital cares for more than 30,000 children from all over Queensland, Northern New South Wales and beyond. Through the support of the community, the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation works wonders for sick kids by investing in groundbreaking research leading to faster diagnosis, better treatments and ultimately cures. Well done to Jenny & Paul for supporting the hospital and good luck on your trek! If you would like some more information on Peter and Jenny’s Garden Party please contact Jenny on 0419 608 700 or click here to email . Alternatively to mke a donation visit www.workingwonders.com.au/7-wonders-challenge/home. |
| To book your next travel adventure phone, email or pop in at Travelscene Samford, Shop 12 Samford Central Mt Glorious Road, Samford, Qld 4520. 07 3289 3700 or Intersate call 1300 003700 info@travelscenesamford.com.au |
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