Attractive Destinations

Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve

Any tensions simply melt away after a day exploring with a soak in these natural mineral pools surrounded by native bush.

Day Trip to the D-Day Beaches

A must for all Second World War enthusiasts or those interested in modern history. Experience an unforgettable visit to the D-Day beaches in Normandy where the Allies launched their push for victory.

Cape Brett ‘Hole in the Rock’ Cruise

Discover the magic of the Bay of Islands with this cruise through the maritime park which is filled with an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking scenery, the highlight of which has to be the passage through the ‘Hole in the Rock’.

You have to deal with that foreign language if you’ve decided to travel abroad.  This is true no matter what your native language is.  It’s handy to know English.  English is widely spoken around the world.  When someone from Greece or Poland meets someone from Italy or Germany, they speak English. 

Since English seems to be the lingua franca around the world, we’ll look at it from that perspective.  If you’re a native English speaker, that’s good for you, but to be a real traveler, you should learn a few words of that foreign language… hello, good-bye, please and thank you at the very least.  It’s just polite to do that. 

Also learn how to ask (in their language) if they speak English… or try to ask your question in the local language.  They will appreciate the effort.  Often they will volunteer, "Would you like to speak English?"  And if they don’t speak English, they will probably try to find someone who does.

Carry a phrase book.  It will help to be able to point out a phrase if the local person you’re asking doesn’t seem to understand you.  Don’t just speak louder… that isn’t going to help.  Remember English is a foreign language to them!  Even if you’re trying, your pronunciation might leave them scratching their heads or blushing as you’ve said something you didn’t want to.  To be a traveler, you need a sense of humor… especially about yourself.  Don’t be embarrassed.  Point to the word in the phrase book.  Have a good laugh at yourself and move on. 

Take a chance.  People are forgiving of tourists…. even the French who have an undeserved reputation for not being helpful.  The key is to be GRATEFUL that they speak a little English to help you… not to expect it. 

When you’re speaking English to your new friends, speak slowly and avoid slang.  Idiomatic expressions and slang in any language often translate into something you really didn’t want to say!

If a French waiter comes up to you and says, "Bon jour, cafe?"  Don’t look blank and say you don’t speak French.  How tough is this one?  He’s greeting you with good morning and asking if you want coffee.  Smile and say, "Bon jour, oui, merci."  See that wasn’t so hard.  Just a couple of words you probably really did know already, and now your waiter LIKES you… even if you never utter another word of French!

Don’t be intimidated by signs in a foreign language… take a good look at them… think in an intuitive way.  Does it look similar to a word you’re familiar with?  If it says "farmacia" instead of "pharmacy", take a guess… you’re probably looking at that pharmacy or drug store you were looking for!  Is there a pictorial sign to help?  A green cross or a pharmacist’s scale would be a good clue.  That may not be what you’re used to at home, but look in the window and think about it, and you can figure it out.

Remember, you went on this trip to experience something different… so revel in that foreign language, learn a few words and enjoy yourself!

Chiang Mai City and Temples

Get a flavour for Chiang Mai’s beautiful and historic Buddhist Temples including a fascinating visit to the 600 year old temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep perched near the summit of Doi Suthep at 5300 feet.

Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour

This captivating walking tour takes you to all of Tinsletown’s most talked about sites and your entusiastic guide offers a wonderful insight into the colourful history and unique architecture.

Ayers Rock Motorcycle Tour

This ultimate tour for anyone who likes motorbikes or indeed anyone who would like to experience the amazing spectacle of Ayers Rock from the seat of a Harley Davidson.

San Antonio may not have the big tourist ring of New York City or San Francisco, but it’s a great little city to come face to face with some history.  It’s one of America’s oldest cities. 

It was colonized by Spain in the early 1700′s and since then Native Americans, Old Mexico and the deep South have mixed and blended to make for an interesting city.

Start your visit to San Antonio with a little history…. the Alamo.  It’s undoubtedly the number one tourist attraction in all the state of Texas.  It was  built in the 18th century as one of San Antonio’s five Spanish colonial missions.  Later it gained fame as the site of an epic 1836 battle during the Texas Revolution. 

That’s when Davey Crockett and Jim Bowie fought and died in the Alamo.  When you first see it, you’ll think it’s smaller than you expected…. and it is!  That’s because it was built as a mission and not as a fort.  Admission is free, though you will have to pay for parking at a downtown lot.  It’s right in the heart of town, near the River Walk.

If you want to see more of the five missions beyond the Alamo, see San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.  It will take you to the other four missions.  You can travel from mission to mission on the eight mile Missions Bike and Hike Trail.

There is a map of downtown San Antonio posted every few blocks on the sidewalks making it easy to explore the Alamo and the River Walk.

The River Walk or Paseo del Rio is also downtown.  Twenty feet below the hustle and bustle of downtown streets, the River Walk follows the San Antonio River’s gentle bends.  Along it you will find restaurants, hotels, museums and historic sites.  You can walk along the banks, or you can take a cruise on the river which goes on for a couple of miles while a tour guide gives you fun filled facts.

One place you’ll find along the banks of the river is the historic district of La Villita.  It was originally established by Spanish soldiers stationed at the Alamo.  In 1835 the Mexican Army surrendered and gave Texas its independence at La Villita.  The next year was when the Battle of the Alamo was fought to try and win Texas back.  More recently the historic buildings have have been turned into restaurants and also galleries and shops for arts and crafts.

Historic Market Square is near downtown.  Also known as the Mexican Market or El Mercado, it’s the largest Mexican market in the state.  It pulsates with friendly people and bold colors.  Stroll beneath the "papel picado" (Mexican tissue paper streamers).  Buy beautiful silver and turquoise jewelry…. handmade necklaces and earrings, belts and buckles from Mexico are here.  Find Mexican candies and even buy a pinata to put them in.  If you just want to soak it in, relax by the fountain and enjoy the sounds of mariachis.

With deep Latino roots, you will get some great Tex-Mex food here.  You’ll also find some great San Antonio Texas barbecue, but their culinary repertoire is large and diverse, so don’t worry about going hungry.  Just bring good walking shoes and an appetite for history and fun.

Sydney Helicopter Grand Tour

The ultimate Sydney sightseeing trip, take to the skies on an exhilarating helicopter flight and enjoy magnificent views of the dramatic city skyline, harbour and legendary landmarks including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and famous surf beaches.

GoCar GPS Guided Tour – East Lisbon Tour

A great introduction to the delights of East Lisbon with you behind the wheel! This sightseeing adventure in a little yellow GPS-guided storytelling car will take you to some of her famous sights including the famous Sao Jorge Castle which dominates the city from its hill top location.