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Hi Friend and welcome to the Spring 2019 edition of "Secret Women's Business".
I can't believe that it's mid-October already. Time really does fly when you're having fun and that's what we've been up to, so I'm really sorry for taking so long to put pen to paper!
What an amazing experience we had on our first 'High Arctic Explorer and Norway' tour. Beginning in Reykjavik, Iceland and finishing in Bergen, Norway it was fun and adventure from start to finish. We spent a week exploring Iceland by road with the delightful Dorothea followed by 14 days on board the sturdy Polar Pioneer and then another week in Norway with the delightful Inger.
Adey is currently in Scotland with a small group of ladies on our "UK and Republic of Ireland' trip and they are having an absolute ball. They had the pleasure of the company of June as their driver/guide for the England part who we had so much fun with back in 2014. They are currently in Scotland and will make their way over the water to Ireland tomorrow and will pick up with June again when they finish in Cardiff on their return from Ireland. Check out Facebook for some great pics of their trip so far or via our website.
As I write this newsletter I'm sitting in the foyer of our hotel in Prague having just finished the first leg of our 'Real Transylvania' itinerary which is just wonderful. We go by overnight train tonight to Krakow in Poland to start the next part of this wonderful trip. Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed Prague and Czech Republic and there are lots of images on Facebook and my website of the trip so far https://www.girlsontour.com.au/gallery/ for you to enjoy.
We have two tours heading off to Japan in November so still lots of action here at GOT for 2019. I hope you will continue to enjoy following our adventures and even consider joining us on tour in 2020 or beyond!
Thanks for your ongoing support. ““Jobs fill your pocket, Adventures fill your soul” ― Jaime Lyn Beatty Happy travels, Judy. |
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| Our 2019 "High Arctic Explorer and Norway" group on board Polar Pioneer taken at Kongsfjord: L-R Judy P, Judy C, Ros A, Roz B, Julie, Valda, Heather, Lynn, Ann, Marianne, Maggie, Sonia, Vicki and Linda.
This was an amazing experience and one I am working with suppliers to repeat in 2021. Iceland is incredible with it's canyons, lava fields and volcanos. In many countries when you're driving along you could be anywhere in the world. When you're driving along the road in Iceland, you can only be in Iceland, it's so unique and so remote. From the Icelandic horses to the Diamond Beach and everything in between, Iceland is amazing and in 2021 we will do it in even more depth than we have just done. Keep an eye out for more details or send me your expression of interest if Iceland and The High Arctic are on your wishlist. Check out the images from our 2019 tour on Facebook or on my website. https://www.girlsontour.com.au/gallery/ |
| | | Italian Immersion 2019
Adey and her small group of ladies had a wonderful time in Italy on our 2019 tour. The itinerary is one that I'm very proud of that has evolved and developed over the years and I am thankful to Fred and Paul at EuroVista Travel for taking on the job when we were such a small group and for Fred for being such an amazing tour manager in Italy. For more photos check out the gallery on our website: https://www.girlsontour.com.au/gallery/
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| | 2020 Touring Calendar We are currently working on the rest of our 2020 touring calendar and have some amazing destinations on offer. For the first time I have blocked out Queensland School Holidays before setting my touring calendar as many of my clients enjoy spending time with or helping out with grandchildren during the holidays which makes it difficult for them to get away during those periods.
Each of our tours will have only 15 travellers or 16 where this is a boat involved on each tour.* If you would like to be among the first to receive details as they are released, click on the buttons below to send through your 'Expression of interest' and get details sent out first before tours are released on our website and Facebook.
*The only exception to this is the USA trip as I was unable to find a supplier who would quote for less than 20 travellers. |
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| | "East Coast USA & Canada" Join us on our first USA tour as we travel to the East Coast visiting New York, Boston, Washington DC, Lancaster County, Philadelphia, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec and the magnificent Niagara Falls. We'll visit important buildings, historic cities and major attractions including the Liberty Bell, Lincoln Memorials, Wall Street, National September 11 Memorial, Times Square, Central Park, Amish Country, Niagara Falls and so much more! Starting and finishing in NYC this is an amazing itinerary.
Departing 21st April, 2020 for 26 days. Previously sold out but due to unforeseen cancellations there are now 2 places left! |
| | | "The 5 Golden Stans"
For the first time Girls On Tour will visit the Central Asian countries along the ancient Silk Road of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgystan. Initially we were being advised against going to all the Stans however after sit down meetings with suppliers who have been going there for years and still are, I've gone back to my original plan of all The Stans. This was previously scheduled to depart in June however it will be just too hot in June so our new departure date is 22nd August, 2020 for 28 days. I hope to release this tour for bookings in the next couple of days and I already have about 30 expressions of interest. **Please note this tour will not be advertised on Facebook or our website.** |
| | | "Splendid Sri Lanka"
In 2018 GOT visited beautiful Sri Lanka for the first time as part of a Southern India and Sri Lanka tour and it was unanimous, more time was needed in Sri Lanka to fully explore and enjoy it so in 2020 we will return to what Marco Polo called 'the most beautiful island in the world' as a dedicated destination. We will spend more time in each city with stays in Colombo, Negombo, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park and Galle and will immerse ourselves in the beauty and culture of this friendly country. Enjoy jungle safaris, cooking class, cultural dancers, ancient temples and caves, colonial buildings, lush tea plantations and so much more. Departing 28 January 2020 for 20 days.
We are almost finished finalising this trip and bookings will open soon. |
| | | | "Wild Alaska and The Yukon" After much discussion with suppliers I have now decided to offer this trip in 2021 so as to give it the best possible time slot in my touring calendar to give us the best possibility to see the Northern Lights. Come in search of The Northern Lights and Orcas as we head North to Alaska! From the glaciers to the gold rush this will be an exciting trip not to be missed. The itinerary will include Denali National Park, Prince William Sound, Fairbanks, Anchorage and Yukon Territory. Tentative departure date August, 2021. Duration and itinerary to be advised. |
| | | "Egypt, Jordan and Israel"
Our first trip has now sold out and we are taking names for a second trip which will depart also in October 2020 and will be escorted by Adey.
Please note that we are monitoring the current events in Egypt and if it is deemed unsafe to travel to this destination, those who have paid deposits will receive a full refund as the tour will not proceed. |
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"The Kimberley" 2020 We're returning to the magnificent Kimberley Region in 2020. Bookings are going well so don't miss out. Join us for an adventure you'll never forget in one of the most rugged and remote landscapes of the world where Girls On Tour and Adventure Wild will take you on a journey through this beautiful land in comfort and style. This 16 day tour includes a 12 day camping safari and 1 day pre and 3 days post safari accommodation in Broome. Price includes all accommodation camping in swags and tents, camping equipment, park entry fees, Geikie Gorge Cruise and all meals while on safari.
Maximum 16 travellers including your Girls On Tour Escort. Previous tours have sold out quickly so book soon to avoid disappointment. Don't miss out on this wonderful Aussie outback adventure!
Price $5,350pp twin share ex Brisbane— excluding airfares - Single supp Broome $440.
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Keep an eye out for Info Day dates to be advised soon...... |
| | UK opens e-gates and ditches landing cards:
Effective June 2019 no special registration will be needed to use e-gates at UK International airports such as Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh. Just slide your ePassport (with an embedded smartchip) into the e-gate, step forward, smile for the camera and you'll be on your way.
You also won't need to fill out a UK landing card, those are also being abolished.
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| | The Importance of the correct cover for Travel Insurance: "If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel". This has never been more relevant than it is now with the recent collapse of some of the big players in the travel industry and world events. Regardless of whether you are using 'complimentary' credit card insurance or an online product or one from your trusted travel agent, make sure you are covered for the basics but also for unlimited medical and emergency expenses including evacuation/repatriation, and a minimum of $10,000.00 insolvency cover of Travel Services Providers eg., any scheduled service airline, hotel and resort operator, accommodation provider, motor vehicle rental or hire
agency, bus line, shipping line or railway company.
You must also be aware of Travel Advices issued by DFAT regarding the level of travel advice for each destination and the date on which the advice changed. Most insurers will not cover you if your insurance is taken out after the warning has increased and you were advised to 'reconsider your need to travel'.
https://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/pages/list.aspx
If you would like more information about travel insurance please contact the ladies at Suncity Travel on (07) 5302 4188 and they will be happy to assist.
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| | | Knowing your smart phone: Did you know that your iPhone has a built in magnifier if you can't find your glasses?
It's easy to activate by just pressing the 'home' button 3 times in succession and wa-la! You can slide the yellow dot across - to + depending on your eyesight and when you're finished just press the home button once more to clear.
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| | | Travel Tip: If you're like me you like the hotel room to be dark when you sleep and not have to watch that flashing neon side outside. I usually carry a few pegs in my luggage for this reason but thanks to Ben from iExpedition who has passed on this little gem, I now have another use for the trouser hanger I always carry and that are usually in the wardrobe of the hotel. What a great way to cut out the light! Thanks Ben passing on this tip.
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| | Learning some lingo:I try and make a point of learning some of the local language of the places I'm visiting and it has always paid off for me. Over the years I have taught myself some Arabic, French, Italian and Greek mostly using CD's but in recent times online. It is now easier than ever with the introduction of Apps such as duolingo for your smart phones and tablets so give it a try. Here is a great article from Your Time Magazine about just this.
https://www.yourtimemagazine.com.au/in-a-manner-of-speaking/?fbclid=IwAR3ZsTdbCJjyuc-_eVYnDKMa6UB9Gebjf04309P5Z6VfvTGECErieWszzCs
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| | How well do you know your bag?
Did you know that in the event of your luggage being lost that there is a chart that you will be asked to look at to identify it? IATA the international airline body has a Baggage Identification Chart but how better to describe your luggage than to take a photo of it before you fly!! Thanks Lea (Greek Island Dreaming escort) for this great tip. |
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