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| Secret Women's Business
Girls On Tour Newsletter - March 2017 |
| From the editor.....
Our first Girls On Tour trip for 2017 was absolutely incredible. I, along with my group of 15 inspirational ladies have recently returned from our 32 day "Antarctica, Galapagos and a Taste of South America" tour and what an adventure it was. We started in Buenos Aires exploring for a few days before boarding 'MV Sea Spirit' in Ushuaia to explore the great white continent of Antarctica over 10 days and then the thunderous waters of Iguazu Falls in Argentina before heading to the pristine waters of The Galapagos Islands via the understated country of Ecuador. We stood on both sides of the equator in Quito, camped out on the ice in Antarctica, swam with a giant green sea turtle and got up close and personal to humpback whales and other amazing creatures. For many of the ladies, landing on continental Antarctica ticked off their 7th continent and for me, to be given the privilege to return once again was truly humbling. The ages of the ladies in this group ranged from 47 to 75, all with an adventurous spirit, a zest for life and a desire to get the most from their trip of a lifetime. Even before we landed in Buenos Aires to start the tour it was evident that the camaraderie was building and lifelong friendships would be made. I'm looking forward to our next adventure to Laos and Myanmar soon and hope you'll follow us as we explore these countries for the first time.
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| | Not long now!
It's only a few sleeps until our next tour for 2017, this time to the countries of “Laos and Myanmar” which are both new destinations for Girls On Tour. We will start in the capital of Laos, Vientiane where we'll explore Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the banks of the Mekong River as well as the golden stupa of That Luang. Other cities that we'll visit are Luang Prabang where we'll enjoy a cooking class, Yangon with its colonial mansions, ancient stupas and the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda and Bagan, the old capital where over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries once stood. Over 2,000 of these remain today and from the air will be a sight to behold. We'll visit Inle Lake where the Intha people have lived, worked and survived off the lake for generations and will celebrate the Thingyan Water Festival in Myanmar with the locals during April. Please follow us on Facebook as we embark on our Asian adventure.
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| | Getting the right gear. Trying to decide what size suitcase is a difficult decision in itself but then you have to decide 2 wheels or 4? Over the years I've had both but for mine it's a no brainer, 4 wheels all the way. When choosing a suitcase there are a few things to be mindful of:
• Try and find a case that is lightweight but durable. Some cases can be 5kg empty which sure is a big slice of your luggage allowance gone.
• Your case should mid-size so as not to overburden yourself with too much luggage but make sure it is expandable just in case you find some things you just have to have!
• Make sure your case has a side handle as that is the standard place for airlines to put your tracking tags. Some of the cases being sold at the moment have handles that are sewn in and not able to have your luggage labels attached.
• Spinner wheels will make it easier for you to navigate your case through airports but can be a challenge on cobbled roads.
• Look for reinforcing on the corners of the bag to give it that little bit more protection.
I have been using this 71cm Samsonite M’Lite Spinner for a couple of years now. It weighs 3.6kg (1.4kg less than my previous case), has 360o spinner wheels, fixed TSA combination lock, lockable external compartments, reinforced corners, is expandable for extra capacity and is red so it is easy to find on the carousel although I've put my name in big black nikko on it as red is fast becoming the new black in suitcases.
For more information check out https://theluggageprofessionals.com.au/blog/better-2-wheel-vs-4-wheel-luggage/
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Testimonial - "Antarctica, Galapagos and a Taste of South America":
"I'm a 47 year old professional who between family, work and study doesn't have time to scratch. I desperately needed a good vacation and wanted to tick off my two top bucket list items, going to Antarctica and Galapagos. After strong recommendations I booked with Girls on Tour (GOT), and I wasn’t disappointed. This adventure exceeded all expectation! There are no words to describe the beauty and uniqueness of Antarctica and how humble one becomes when they become part of this pristine and untouched environment. However, a trip like this is complex and I imagine organised by the wrong hands could have easily been a disaster. I would like to applaud Judy from Girls on Tour for the quality and professionalism of this trip. Before our adventure Judy briefed us about all sorts of things to help us prepare: details of the trip, packing suggestions, when sales of certain equipment was occurring. I felt thoroughly organised before I left for this trip and I was prepared completely for all the adventures I undertook. During the trip, due to Judy's methodical planning, all boxes were ticked. Every small detail was covered, even including laminated currency conversion cards to keep in our wallet, chocolates for Valentines day and of course our pink GOT fleece that everybody wanted! The participants of this tour included like-minded woman of all ages, adventurous, determined and all looking for a good laugh and a great experience. I have made life-long friends on this trip and have memories that will never fade. Judy is great fun! She is caring, encouraging, and knows her stuff. For anyone considering doing a tour with GOT, every detail will be covered and it will be trip of a life time. But remember…. with any trip, it will be your responsibility to ensure you bring the right mindset and are fit and ready to have an absolutely awesome time!" Lisa Palethorpe, Manly Qld. |
| | | Help me, help you!!! Every day I'm bombarded with would be specialists telling me how to make my website better and how to attract more customers. I think YOU my followers and fellow travellers are better placed to help me with that so here's my offer. If you would be so kind as to send me your top 3 words or phrases (keywords) that you would or did type into Google when searching for your next or last holiday, you'll go into the draw to win either a $300 cash back on your next Girls On Tour trip or a $200 prepaid Visa card. It's that simple, click on the button below and send me your 'keywords'* and you could win!! *Please don't include the words "Girls On Tour" in your entry. Entries close midnight AEST Sunday 9th April. The draw will take place at Suncity Travel on Monday 10th April and the winner will be notified by email. Results will also be published in the next newsletter. Thank you for your entries.
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| | 2017 Tour Brochure
Our 2017 Tour Brochure is now available. There is only 1 place left on our 2017 Italy tour and places are still available on our Spain, Portugal and Morocco tour departing 11th August. All other tours in the brochure are sold out or finalised. If you would like a brochure sent out in the post please click the button below to request your copy. Alternatively you can download flyers for each tour on our website as they are released.
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American Express Currency Exchange:
I was delighted to meet Kylie at the American Express Currency Exchange when on the search for the best rates for USD for our recent trip to South America and Antarctica. The Maroochydore office is located inside Australia Post at the Sunshine Plaza. I'm excited to announce that American Express Currency Exchange have a special offer for Girls on Tour - "$0 commission and great rates!" To redeem just mention "Girls On Tour" when purchasing cash at any of the 3 stores on the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra, Buddina or Maroochydore and mention Kylie's name if you need to. With over 80 currencies available you'll love the friendly service offered and the great rates. One of the biggest factors for me was that I was able to get the amount I needed in the denominations I needed for the tour in 1 visit. The Caloundra office is located at 1 Ormuz Avenue (Inside Australia Post), Caloundra QLD 4551 and the Buddina office is located at Kawana Shopping World (inside Australia Post), 119 Point Cartwright Drive, Buddina QLD 4575.
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Antarctica, Galapagos and a Taste of South America 2017 in review: There is really only one word to explain both Antarctica and Galapagos, WOW! From the moment you step on-board your expedition ship in Ushuaia you know you're in for a real adventure but to set foot on the Great White Continent is just something else. It's surreal, it's enormous, it's breathtaking. People have asked me 'what do you do in Antarctica?' After the initial crossing of the Drake Passage which takes around 2 days, each day for the next 5 or 6 days you will suit up in your thermals and polar jacket, wet pants and boots twice a day and board a zodiac to either go ashore or explore the icebergs, bays, harbours and coves of the last discovered continent. The places you land will depend on the itinerary of the vessel that you are on as each company or vessel has strict instructions as to where they can land and/or explore. So much so that when we could see a whale breaching in the distance in Orne Harbour we were not able to take off and get a closer look as that was an area designated to another vessel. I did manage to get some pics though with my 300mm lens. Each day when not exploring the continent there are lectures and information sessions provided by biologists, expedition leaders, Ornithologists, Geologists, Polar Adventurers, Photographers and other specialists who are keen to share their polar adventures with you. An expedition ship is not like an ocean liner as it usually only has one or two common areas which includes 1 bar and 1 entertainer who usually doubles as a zodiac driver and/or safety officer. On this trip we were on Sea Spirit which is a Poseiden Expeditions ship and I can thoroughly recommend it if you are thinking of heading south or indeed north to explore any of the polar regions. The staff, both expedition and hospitality are friendly and well trained and will ensure that you have the best possible experience that you can. At the other end of the spectrum is The Galapagos Islands, azure blue waters, weird and wonderful creatures and once again breathtaking scenery. Combine these two places with the magnificent Iguazu Falls and the underrated country of Ecuador and this was an amazing itinerary. South America is not for the fainthearted as it is logistically tiring but worth the effort. The feedback from all of the ladies who travelled has been wonderful. If these destinations are on your bucket list, send me your expression of interest and we may look at repeating this exceptional tour in 2019.
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| | | | Don't miss out. You can still join Girls On Tour in 2017!!! Places are still available on our 2017 "Spain, Portugal and Morocco" tour departing 11th August for 31 days. Join our small group (maximum 15), women-only tour to these beautiful and exotic countries. New additions to the 2017 itinerary include 2 nights in the beautiful port city of Essaouira and an overnight stay in the Rif Mountain village of Chefchaouen. Stays include Barcelona, Madrid, Salamanca, Porto, Lisbon, Seville, Granada, Casablanca, Essaouira, Marrakech, Fes and more. Your escort for this trip is Evelyn. Price including economy airfares with Emirates $14,209pp twin share* plus approx taxes $300 ex Brisbane. Other capital city departures available on request. Check out our website for full details and to download the brochure http://www.girlsontour.com.au/tour/2017-spain-portugal-morocco-31-days-departing-11th-august or read my travel blog from our 2014 trip to see what amazing sights you'll see http://www.girlsontour.com.au/blog/postcards-spain-portugal-and-morocco |
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Where do you come from?
I’m often asked where ladies who travel with Girls On Tour are from. My answer is ’from all over Australia’ with the majority being from Queensland. We have now had ladies from every state and territory in Australia join us on tour. Although all tours are quoted ex Brisbane, there is no need or requirement for ladies to travel to Brisbane to join the tour, you can fly from your capital city to the hub city of the airline we are using for that particular tour and join the group there. For example if we are flying with Emirates and you are flying out of Perth you would join us in Dubai, if we are flying to India with Singapore Airlines and you are flying out of Sydney you would meet us in Singapore and join the group there. All tours are priced 'ex Brisbane' however most airlines offer us fares that cover the East Coast and only places such as Adelaide or Perth may attract an additional cost or different air taxes. If you have any questions at all about joining from a city other than Brisbane please don't hesitate to contact me.
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| | | Oh the places you'll go! If YOU have a travel 'Wishlist' we'd love to hear from you. At Girls On Tour our aim is to provide exciting and comprehensive tours at each of the amazing destinations we visit and are always on the look out for new places to go to that our customers are dreaming of travelling to. Whether it's Africa, USA, Asia, Europe or anywhere else in the world, let us know and we'll do our best to offer your dream trip in the future. There's still lots in store in 2017 and we're working hard to make 2018 just as exciting so keep in touch either by email or by sending us your 'Travel Wishlist' using the button below. |
| | TRAVEL INFORMATION DAYS
Throughout the year we will be holding Information Days presenting our upcoming tours at various locations around Australia. This is a great opportunity to meet other like-minded ladies who love to travel in an informal setting and share your travel stories and wishlists. Come along and meet Judy and your other escorts and find out why Girls On Tour is right for you. Learn about Girls On Tour and our upcoming trips for 2018. Dates and venues are to be confirmed however we plan to hold these sessions in the following locations:- Rockhampton
- Lismore
- Perth
- Brisbane
- Melbourne
If you'd like to be kept informed as dates and venues are locked in please click on the button below to send your expression of interest for your desired location. I look forward to meeting you there.
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| | | | Italian dreaming? If you are like me and love everything Italian, here are a few of my recent favourite books featuring Italy to tempt you even more. Don't forget there's only 1 place left on our "Bella Italia" trip departing 2nd June, 2017. - "Daughter of Siena", Marina Fiorato - If you've been to Siena or know anything about the famously dangerous horse race Il Palio di Siena, you'll love this book. - "Cleopatra's Daughter", Michelle Moran - encompassing two of my favourite places in the world, Egypt and Rome, a beautifully written warts and all account of Rome and the Roman Empire. - "The Pindar Diamond", Katie Hickman - set mostly in Venice, this beautifully written but sometimes dark novel will take you back to Venice or make you want to visit. - "Tuscan Rose", Belinda Alexandra - In true Belinda Alexandra style this book is beautifully written and historically informative. Set during the time the Nazi occupation and the terrible times of Mussolini's Italy, you will find it hard to put this book down.
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| | | Top Travel Tips: Insulated Flasks: Many of the countries we visit do not offer tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms and most Aussies do like their late night or early morning cuppa. I've recently found a neat stainless steel drink bottle that works for both hot and cold that is lightweight, double walled (so no condensation) and BPA free. It keeps water hot or cold for up to 8 hours. There are many varieties around for you to choose from but I got mine from Discounts Galore for the small outlay of $10 so now all I need to do is carry some tea &/or coffee with me and I'm sorted. Hot water is usually available from the bar or housekeeping at no cost.
Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it! If you can't afford travel insurance you really can't afford to travel. Shop around. There are many companies offering different levels of insurance but always make sure you're covered for evacuation and services provider insolvency. Remember that most if not all travel insurance policies won't cover you for more than about $250 cash so don't carry large amounts of cash on you. Also many companies will offer a discount for a dual policy which doesn't have to be your spouse or partner, it can be another person you are travelling with such as a friend. This will also come in to play if one of you has to cancel and the other may not wish to go ahead with the travel plans. All travel policies are not created equal so always check the product disclosure statement or ask your travel agent or insurance rep for full details. Suncity Travel offer a discount to Girls On Tour travellers on travel insurance to please don't hesitate to request a quote when completing your booking form.
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| Smartphone Apps: With so many apps out there that can be useful for travellers it's hard to decide which ones to use but here are some which you might find useful: Google Translate (Android, iOS: free) can convert words, phrases and short sentences from one language to another. Simply pick an input language and an output language, and then either type or dictate your message. The app does its magic, presenting you with translated text or a short synthesized voice message. In addition, visual translation features have just been added, allowing you to translate text and signage with the aid of your camera.
XE Currency (Android, iOS: free) XE Currency's excellent currency conversion app is everything you'll ever need when you find yourself in need of prices and exchange rates abroad. The app supports just about every national currency used worldwide, with the ability to track up to 10 simultaneously. Rates are regularly updated (you can set the frequency of updates), and best of all, the app stores the rates of currencies you've looked up, so that they're always available offline, even away from Wi-Fi or a mobile connection.
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| | Thanks for reading, see you next time! Girls On Tour "We'll show you the world" |
| | | We are proudly associated with Suncity Travel Caloundra. |
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