Kangaroos, Rain Forests and Coral Reefs on an Australian Adventure

by Wendy Fougner

A few years ago I completed my training with Ensemble to have a specialist designation for Fiji and Australia. This training involved embarking on a trip to a South Pacific destination. I was fortunate to be part of a group that went to Australia to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns and Sydney.

My journey began as I traveled to Cairns and spent the first few nights of my trip at the lovely Shangri-La. This beautiful hotel is perfectly situated on the harbor in close proximity to many restaurants and Cairns’ downtown center. The Shangri-La also has a spa, several shops and a good restaurant. The property is best suited for families looking for a central home-base for their stay in Cairns or business travelers.

On our last morning in Cairns we woke early in the morning and headed to Freshwater Station to catch our train to Kuranda on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Kuranda is a picturesque mountain village located in the lush rainforest of Queensland. We traveled to Kuranda in gold class, enjoying exceptional service throughout the train ride. The ride was beautiful, taking us through tunnels, providing stunning vistas of forest and stopping at Barron Falls. Once we reached the top of Kuranda, we disembarked and walked through the village, exploring stores in the Heritage Market and enjoying the wildlife. The highlight of this excursion for many on our trip was taking photos with koalas and feeding kangaroos and wallabies. Feeding the kangaroo myself, I had no idea that its mouth would be so soft!

We descended Kuranda on the Skyride, a gondola that passes over the rainforest. Half way down, the Skyride stops and lets you out onto a path. A short walk down the path brings you special vantage point from which you can see the falls. The view is fantastic and provides a different perspective than the stop along the train ride. It was wonderful to travel up and down Kuranda in different ways and experience various parts of the rainforest. At the bottom we were taken to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for a delicious lunch. After lunch we went to different stations at the park and learned Aboriginal dances, how to use a didgeridoo, throw a spear and a boomerang.

After a busy day exploring Kuranda, we were off to the docks in Cairns. At the docks we were greeted by the gracious and friendly crew of the 37ft Coral Princess boat. Upon arrival, it was amazing how quickly we were taken aboard and brought into the fold of the family run business. We spent the next three days on the Coral Princess, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, and the experience was absolutely amazing. The food was fabulous, the the daily activities were fascinating and entertaining, and the cleanliness and maintenance of the boat was impeccable.

One of my favourite features of the boat was the opportunity to go snorkeling twice a day on a glass bottom boat tour or scuba diving. If you don’t have any experience scuba diving, the staff are able to provide you with the necessary training. This is a wonderful way to discover the Great Barrier Reef.

After our adventure on the Great Barrier Reef we traveled to Sydney where we stayed at the Sheraton Hotel in the downtown core. This gorgeous property offers expansive views of Sydney. The top floors of the building features a pool, hot tub and spectacular views. Our exploration of Sydney was extensive, as we ventured to Manly Island on the local ferry, enjoyed shopping throughout the city and sampling Sydney’s culinary delights in different restaurants. After spending time in Sydney we said goodbye to new friends and left the wonderful country of Australia.

This journey made me aware of Australia’s incredible diversity: diverse and contrasting landscapes, various culinary options, different cultures and so much more. Australia is an amazing country to explore with so much to offer. If it’s not already on your bucket list, it should be! 

Exploring the South Pacific

by Wendy Fougner

On one of our last family adventures, Bruce and I took the boys to Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. We found highlights in each destination, as every place had its own charms and attractions.

My favourite destination throughout the trip would have to be Tasmania, Australia. I felt very at home in Tasmania, as if I could actually move there. The people are very genuine and friend­ly, the scenery - characterized by lush, undulating hills - is absolutely stunning, and overall it has a lot of character. It was easy to find good food and we never had to hunt around to find a decent meal. Despite the fact that it poured one day during our stay, the rain didn’t take away from Tasmania’s charm.

The most surprising destination was the Solomon Islands – the least developed of everywhere we went on our trip. The Solomon Islands are quite impoverished, which was very shocking at times. We found there to be a strong sense of tension and resentment between the locals and the growing Chinese population, and there were soldiers marching around Guadalcanal. Although it was unexpected, the soldiers were not at all intimidating. We also found that it was difficult to find good food and we usually had to hunt around for a nice place to eat. Despite this, there was still a lot to enjoy on the Solomon Islands. The weather was fantastic, on a day trip outside of Guadalcanal we experienced the islands’ beautiful scenery and our hotel was lovely.

After the Solomon Islands we travelled to Vanuatu where we stayed at the Warwick resort. We were all quite tired of moving around and wanted a place to relax and enjoy the sun. The War­wick was lovely – the food was good, the pools were beautiful and the resort offered a number of complimentary activities. There was a nice golf course at the resort and Bruce and the boys played a round of golf; however, golf balls and clubs were limited! The Warwick is located a short distance from downtown Port Vila which is a common stop on cruises through the South Pacific, so there were lots of touristy shops to do a little shopping.

Our next stop was New Caledonia, the French territory. This was one of Bruce’s favourites because he was able to practice his French. New Caledonia is very French and when we were visiting we felt a definite sense that we were in Europe. We stayed in an apartment, which was great because we could cook our own meals. The grocery stores have a great selection of food and we found lots of fresh, delicious produce. However, things are not very cheap in New Cale­donia because most of the goods are imported from elsewhere around the world.

After New Caledonia we ventured back to Australia and stayed in Sydney for a few nights. Sydney is a very fun, vibrant city and we all had a great time. The harbour was a definite high­light: there are people everywhere, different street performers and a lot of excellent food. The boys went out to a lot of bars and said that the nightlife was really fun, with genuine people and great music. One drawback, though, was the cost. The prices are actually quite a bit higher than in Vancouver. In Australia they have what is called a “right to a living” so wages start a lot higher and restaurants are more expensive.

Overall, we had a great time and it was a wonderful family trip. The South Pacific is a beauti­ful destination that offers everything from charming towns and stunning scenery to bustling cities with excellent nightlife. I would highly recommend the South Pacific to anyone looking for a unique destination to explore on their next adventure.

A Jordan Adventure

by Lesli Heron

The full moon lit our path as we followed our Bedouin guide Mohammed, into the Rum. We weren’t sure where we were going. As we rounded a rocky outcrop we came across a beautiful sight. There on a candlelit sand dune was a feast for the eyes, literally. Our guide Majdi had created a Jordanian feast in the middle of Wadi Rum. As we all sat around on pillows and carpets, eating grilled meat, fatoush, babaganoush, drinking Arak and marvelling at the twinkling stars we reflected on our journey so far. It all started in Amman, a week earlier, 7 women aged 32 to 72 and the lone male, our Jordanian guide Majdi.

The very essence of Jordan has been influenced by the world’s oldest civilizations. The Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks, Nabateans, Romans, Crusaders and Turks have all left their mark. North of Amman lies the magnificently preserved Roman ruin of Jerash. From the entry through Hadrian’s Arch to the Oval Plaza surrounded by 56 Iconic Columns and along the cobblestone colonnaded street, Jerash is a Roman wonder. During our visit we were regaled by the Jordanian Scottish Pipe Band in the amphitheatre, showing off the still amazing acoustics. Did you know the bag pipe actually originated in the Middle East!

As you can’t pass up an opportunity for a peaceful float in the lowest point on earth we popped into the Dead Sea on the way to the Dana Nature Reserve. This reserve has a special beauty and some breath taking scenery. We camped overnight and did a wonderful hike along red rock escarpments and enjoyed a bit of dare devil rock climbing to reach some of the ancient cave churches.

We continued along the Kings Highway to Petra which is one of the highlights of any visit to Jordan. As I wandered through the Siq with its sheer sided walls and narrow passage ways I began to realize how apt the name, The Rose Red City really is. And then there it was, the first glimpse of the Treasury bathed in the morning light. It was breathtaking! We spent hours exploring this ancient city with its Royal Tombs and colonnaded streets culminating in a hike up an ancient rock cut path of over 800 steps to the spectacular Monastery, golden in the afternoon sun.

We rode our camels into Wadi Rum and after 3 hours and a screaming backside we arrived at our Bedouin Camp, Moon Valley, just as the sun was setting. This was our home for the next couple of nights as we explored this moon like landscape of towering sandstones and rippling sand dunes. We hiked through canyons, scrambled up rock faces to straddle natural rock bridges, we plodded along sand dunes and we marvelled at the colours that played out over the desert. I found my peace in Wadi Rum and was under its spell.

After a quick dip and a snorkel in the Red Sea my journey in Jordan came to an end all too soon. This tiny desert kingdom has managed to straddle the ancient and modern worlds effortlessly and in so doing has made it a fascinating, enjoyable and safe country to explore.

Seabourn Luxury Cruises

by Wendy Fougner

Seabourn Cruises is a luxury cruise line with smaller ships that allow for a more personal experience. A Seabourn ship is like a private club, where members share expansive open decks, inviting social spaces, and the personalized attention of an exceptional crew. From the moment you first step aboard Seabourn, you’ll be part of an exclusive circle, the privileged few, who have discovered the true joys of yachting.

Each cruise is a hand-picked collection of fascinating places, and each day brings a new opportunity for authentic discovery – another chance to explore your world in a personal and meaningful way. It is supremely relaxing to be looked after by thoughtful hosts, whose knack for anticipating what you might like borders on the clairvoyant.

Seabourn suites are thoughtfully appointed and inviting, designed as homes away from home with room to unwind or entertain. You have the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow guests in a carefree atmosphere, where no one has to pick up the tab.

In 2011, I had the opportunity to appreciate their service on a seventeen day cruise that started in Singapore and ended in Dubai. If you are a couple looking for casual elegance with opportunities to get acquainted with wonderful and interesting people over the course of your trip, then Seabourn is perfect for you.

The cruise was spent aboard the Seabourn Spirit. The ship was absolutely beautiful and they went to great lengths to keep everything ship shape, whether it be polishing the brass or painting the exterior. The suites on the Seabourn Spirit are a throwback to the great ocean liners of the past combining modern conveniences with the old world charm of ocean travel. With plenty of room (277 to 575 sq. ft.), they provide a haven of sophisticated luxury. While wandering around the ship, all the staff greeted me by name. It didn’t matter where I was they knew my name, which added a nice personal touch and made the journey seem all the more special.

The food, the wine and the cocktails...they were not only included, but incredible. There were two main dining areas: The Restaurant and the Veranda Café. The food was designed by Executive Chef Rajat Adhikary and provided diners the option of innovative, yet more traditional, cuisine, avant-garde creations, casual fare on deck or course-by-course dining in your suite. My favourite dining experience was the Veranda Café. It was wonderful to eat outdoors and enjoy the warm breezes while enjoying the scenery. In the evenings, the twinkling lights of the fishing boats provided just the right touch of ambiance.

In addition to the terminal ports of Singapore and Dubai, our journey took us to Penang, Cochin, Mangalore, Mumbai, Muscat, and Oman. Each city had its own special highlights and charms, however, my personal favourites were Oman and Cochin.

Cochin had a great feel about it that made me realize I would like to go back and stay there for an extended period of time. It was vibrant and alluring. The shops and restaurants were very cool and funky, and the hotels looked inviting. The city was very lively with lots of young travelers. Cochin just had this energy surrounding it that makes you want to return.

As for Oman, I loved it because while it was traditional, for example the attire, there were aspects that were nontraditional, such as the embroidery on the outfits. The city was welcoming, clean, and unique, and I really enjoyed my time exploring and getting a sense of the region.

Overall, I would recommend cruises like those offered by Seabourn for individuals interested in “casual elegance” and looking to meet other couples who are of like mind. You get a wonderful variety of people on the ship, and get to know them over the duration of the cruise.

How to Stay Healthy When Flying

With all coughing and sniffling around airports, travelers need to be super conscious to keep themselves healthy. Here are 13 of the best “travel healthy” tips for warding off a cough or the flu while flying:

1. Bring your own inflatable neck pillow, and use your coat as a blanket. Airlines that still have blankets and pillows may not always change them between flights.

2. Hand sanitizer – just a small amount, 100ml (3oz) or less for the plane, and use it like it's going out of fashion. Then keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose.

3. Rub a little of an antibiotic ointment or a nasal gel on the inside of your nose to prevent you from inhaling airborne germs.

4. Kleenex – store them close at hand, but not in the seatback in front of you.

5. Antibacterial wipes - use them to clean anything you may rest your hands on, the tray top, the arm rest, the blind, the door handle in the toilet. In fact, think of all the surfaces on a plane as being about as hygienic as a public toilet. (Don’t be sensitive, airlines - this is not a reflection on you - just on that tricky, sticky bacteria.)

6. Bring basic medical supplies - Tylenol, Advil or Aspirin.

7. A bottle of water. Or two. Or three. The recycled air in a cabin can really dry out the mucous membranes. An alcoholic beverage won't help here; it'll dehydrate you. You need to keep the mucous membranes moist to stay fighting fit. You can always take an empty water container with you and fill it up once you are through security.

8. A fizzing Vitamin C tablet that you can plink into water during the flight.

9. A small spray bottle that you can fill with water to mist and rehydrate your face throughout the flight.

10. A packet of berries or nuts, anything that's packed full of vitamins and will keep you away from some of the more sinful in-flight snack options. Sugary or fatty treats will make you feel sluggish and won't help you ward off a cold.

11. Turn the air vent on and towards your chest to prevent germs being blown into your face.

12. Try to fly on less busy days if possible. Fewer flyers mean fewer chances of catching flu. Monday, midweek or Saturday flights will tend not to be as busy as those on Fridays, Sundays or Mondays.

13. Ask to change seats. Finally, if one of your fellow passengers is obviously suffering from a cold ask the flight attendant to seat you elsewhere. Now you know this is not always going to be possible, won’t win you any popularity contests, and you may feel un-neighbourly and unfriendly, but it’s worth a try, rather than waking up sniffing the next morning.

Top Ten Reason's to Cruise

by Deborah Charles

Choose to cruise for YOU. You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, Completely unwind, take a walk on the wild side, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make new friends, bond with family members, steal quiet moments with your spouse. Whatever your heart desires is yours, when you choose to cruise.

1. Choose to cruise for VALUE. One price buys your accommodations, entertainment, dining, and more.

2. Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.

3. Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.

4. Choose to cruise for VARIETY. With over 150 distinctive ships, 1800 ports of call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. For even more choice, consider a pre- or postland tour.

5. Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.

6. Choose to cruise for SIMPLICITY. Don't come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple.

7. Choose to cruise for NEW HORIZONS. Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon... and you only have to pack and unpack once!

8. Choose to cruise for FAMILY. Families love cruising. Children's programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some well-deserved time alone.

9. Choose to cruise for PAMPERING. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with firstclass service around the clock.

10. Choose to cruise for SATISFACTION. It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

Setting Travel Goals

Many people have heard of a bucket list, and some even have travel destinations on their lists. Other people simply make a resolution to “travel more.” But how do you make those dreams and aspirations a reality to cross them off your list and stick to your resolve? Travel goals are the best place to start.

Goals are a target to move towards and resolutions are something you hope will happen. Resolutions also tend to be a bit fuzzier. You might have a resolution to lose weight (ambiguous) or have a goal to lose 10 lbs. by October (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely). The goal is more likely to be achieved because you have a target and timeline. Therefore, to get you to your travel goals, take the following steps:

Make a dream list of travel you would like to take over the next 5-10 years or over your lifespan. Don’t limit yourself on what you think is possible. This is the time to dream and dream big. What would you most want to see and do? Think there are no limits on time, money or energy. Keep the list.

Determine What You Want. What do you want to achieve with your travel in the next 12-18 months and beyond. Let’s face it, some trips will require a bit more financial and time planning. So those trips may need to be planned for further out. Some sample goals might be:

•  Visit a new continent by the end of 2014.
• Run with the bulls in Pamplona – July 2015.
• Start a savings plan May 2014 to go to Antarctica November 2015.

Create a Plan. This step may require you to do a bit of research, and talking to a travel agent may help if you don’t want to spend all your time searching online sorting through tons of information. Figure out when is the best time to travel to your destination and if there are benefits or issues with travelling off peak season. Find out if there are immunizations, visa, or other requirements that may take time and need to be factored into the plan. Determine a rough estimate of how much the trip will cost and include a bit of room for incidentals that might not come to mind. If you don’t have the money immediately available, calculate a budget to figure out how much you’ll need to save to make this a reality.

Keep your goals and your plan where you can look at it often. Some people like to put images of the trip in handy locations as a reminder of the goal. Check in at least monthly to see if there is something you can do in the next month to move this forward. Consider telling your goals to a friend or family member. You are more likely to keep commitments you have shared with others than ones you are keeping to yourself.

With a little goal setting and planning, you can begin to make those old “travel more” resolutions a reality.