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Hi Jo, Everything was wonderful - no problems what so ever. I loved
New York - it was the highlight. A wonderful place. Thank you for all your organisation. The trip was everything I wanted and more. The only issue, as I emailed you, was the departure tax at
Bangkok, but it wasn't a problem for me. Thanks again for helping me achieve my dream holiday!" P.C., NSW, Australia (24 Jan 03)
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Hi Jo, we had a great time. Everything went incredibly smooth. All our arrangements were what we hoped for.
Green Island was a really nice, quick getaway from
Cairns. We felt like we were really on an island all by ourselves (especially after 4:30 when the day-users left!!). The rooms were laid out really nicely and gave you lots of privacy.
The beach was terrific and the day we went to
The Great Barrier Reef was one of the best weather-wise days-the water was really clear, we could see about 30-40 feet down! We would definitely recommend this to our friends... Thanks again for all your help with this trip. I do have a friend that will be vacationing in Australia later this year, and I'll give him your name for help with his travel." M. & .M.A., Carnation, USA (22 Jan 03)
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Hi Tina...Andrew and I had a FABULOUS !!!! time.
Orpheus Island resort is absolutely beautiful and the staff at the resort were incredible.... service with a smile, always friendly and helpful and happy..... and plenty of activities going on all the time which were great. They upgraded us to a beachfront suite on the last night, which had a fabulous spa and huge outdoor shower. We went on a dive trip on the last day and when we returned they had the spa bubbling away for us and a complimentary bottle of champagne ... it was amazing! The whole 7 nights has left me speechless.... it was the perfect holiday for us.
The morning we left the island, the sea plane picked us up from the beach. We were the only ones travelling back to
Townsville on that flight. It was so nice, the resort managers and a couple of the staff stood on the beach and waved us off ..... it was really sad to leave. I would recommend Orpheus to everyone .... Andrew and I have decided that we will be going back there again at some stage in the future.
A VERY BIG THANK YOU from us to you and GlobeNetTravel for recommending Orpheus to us..... your service was absolute top quality and everything went incredibly smoothly without any hiccups.... it all seemed just too easy. Also, thank you for your personal attention to our needs - you know you've received great service when the person you deal with feels like they've become an old friend. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year !! Looking forward to catching up with you in person sometime soon. Thanks again and best regards," M. & .A.S., Sydney, Australia (22 Jan 03)
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Tina... First, the accommodations were INCREDIBLE. Excellent job in putting us in great places. Our first stay (
Tanunda ) was more than we expected. The B&B was spacious, had everything we needed to get-by...and the HOSTS....WOW, incredible people. In fact, as we pulled-up to the B&B, one of the local wine makers was pool-side, with the hosts, inviting us to have a Barbee (sp) that evening. From that night on, we had dinner and other events with the hosts. Incredible. Dena and I were both taken aback on how welcomed we were by Australians.
The 1 night accommodation in
Cairns worked perfectly...and
Fitzroy Island ? WE'D do it again! Your assistance in putting all of that together, including Ferry transfer, made our lives more assured and relaxing. From the sights we saw in SA, VIC, NSW and Queensland, Dena and I are extremely envious of the beauty that is
Australia.
Importantly, your tolerance in answering all of my numerous questions was greatly appreciated. You were a complete delight to work with. As we will be planning a trip to NZ in the next year or so, I'll be sure to contact you for assistance. Thanks again for everything," P.M., USA (22 Jan 03)
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Sonia As you may remember, you helped my father, myself and my son have an absolutely wonderful visit to
Australia last year. The
Sydney, the Ghan train, Ayers Rock, Cairns (Silky Oaks, Dunk Island) circuit was a fantastic, unforgettable experience. And you, of course, were instrumental in making it so. So a belated thank you from all of us for all your help." J.C., Alaska, USA (22 Jan 03)
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Zoe, I promised that I would send our
commentaryabout our trip to you. I do not mind your forwarding it to other Americans considering the trip. Happy New Year to you. It is very cold in the US, and we have pleasant memories of our great trip to your country." Jean H., Nebraska, USA (22 Jan 03)
Note: This commentary is a very informative and detailed description of their experiences and loaded with the Australian itineraries and her excellent stories & tips! Jean and her husband visited Sydney, Tropical North Queensland, the Reef and then Melbourne. It is a"MUST" for intending travelers to these places!
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"Hi Kylie...
We had a great time and it was everything we hoped for.
Peppers Palm Bay was VERY luxurious and all the rooms were brand new.
Thank you so mu
ch for
all your help.
The best things we did were hiring a helicopter for a champagne lunch on a deserted beach and also hiring a 38 ft. private catamaran for a day of sailing alone!
Peppers coordinated all of it for us. Here is a link to our Australia pictures. Enjoy,
" M.W., USA (22 Jan 03)
•"Hello
Zoe, We had a great time in
Cairns & Port Douglas, and in
Sydney ! Thank you for your recommendations and for the tour reservations.
The
Aristocat diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef was outstanding ! I highly recommend it - not too many people, great crew, and a chance to experience a brief scuba dive! The all day inclusive
Kuranda tour was also good - a nice way to get a flavor of the area and the Aboriginal heritage.
Sydney was fun; we did get three day "
SeeSydney" passes, as you recommended. Also, we were on
Mrs. McQuarrie's Point (New Year's Eve) in 45 Km/hr wind from 4:00 pm until 11:30 - thought they were going to cancel the fireworks. But, we got lucky - the wind almost stopped about 20 minutes before, and we saw the whole show Again, thank you very much for all your assistance." T. & C. L., USA (20 Jan 03)
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"
Hi Kylie,
Thanks for helping us organize everything. The trip to
Lady Elliot Island was very relaxing and we really enjoyed both the snorkeling and the scuba diving. Everyone on the island was very helpful. There was one issue which was a little frustrating though which you might want to talk to the island officials as several other visitors had the same problem.
It seems that Mutton Birds fly under the accomodation and basically make the most horrendous noise possible all night. My g/f and I basically had no sleep for the first two nights. I have attached a couple of photos that you might enjoy... Thanks again for all your help with the bookings." J.H., USA (21 Jan 03)
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Dear Kylie, Just a quick note to let you know that my family and I had a wonderful time on
Heron island (snorkelling, swimming, tennis, food and watching turtles lay eggs) - thank you for all your help. All the best for 2003," A.H., Sydney, Australia (20 Jan 03)
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Tosh, Have just returned from trip to
Palazzo Versace and wish to report holiday was great, organisation by yourself hassle free and wish to thank for same." A.V., Sydney, Australia (19 Jan 03)
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Dear Sonia, Perhaps by now you are already aware that we gave your name to the University hockey coaches, who will be travelling to Australia in May with their team... I know we never could have done it without you (especially the accomodations, transportation between airports and hotels, etc.) Again, thank you!!!! You are definitely the key link to having a wonderful time in Australia! Happy New Year, Sonia! Hope all is well with you. Sincerely," T. & H. R., Maine, USA (17 Jan 03)
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Gayle,
The trip was fantastic. Hotel was great, the reef trip very successful, and we even had nice weather. I have a CD with pictures, and will attempt to include some even though I am not real sure how to do it. Thanks for all of your help - we had a terrific time!" A.&J. N., USA (15 Jan 03)
•"Hi
Jo, Eric and I had a wonderful time on our holiday and appreciate all of your assistance with our trip. The only feedback that we have is that we felt that the flight from
Cairns to
Hamilton Island was a little too early. We had to be picked up at
Silky Oaks at 3:30 a.m. by the car service... It wasn't that big of a deal, but would have allowed us a little more sleep.
Overall, we felt that you did an outstanding job and were very pleased with our trip. We loved
Ayers Rock the
Sounds of Silence dinner (a real highlight) and the
Harley Davidson tour (I know that I scheduled this one, but thought I'd give you positive feedback for future customers). We also had a great experience on
Hayman Island resort and would recommend the Sea Plane for snorkeling at the outer reef, the sunset drop-off, and
The Chef's Table. Thank you for all of your help." J.S., Wilton, USA (13 Jan 03)
•"Hello
Gayle, Happy New Year to you and I hope your holiday was as wonderful as mine. Everything went just as you had arranged.
The Four Seasons in Sydney was a great location as it was very close to the ferry and
The Rocks. Hayman Island was beautiful and the room was fantastic. Just as nice was
Silky Oaks in relaxation, 5 star food and presentation, and spa treatments were to die for.
Please find a picture of my wife holding a 2 month old orphaned baby Wombat during our VIP tour of the
Taronga Zoo in Sydney.
A day or two later the princess of Japan was holding the very same Wombat. Thank you so much for all your help it was a wonderful 30th anniversary celebration. Regards," S.F., USA (14 Jan 03)
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Joanne Thank you for all that you did my mum had a wonderful time at
Tangalooma Resort and would have even liked to stay longer. The weather was perfect and they had level 4 of the hotel. Just great. Thank you once again Regards," D.V., Brisbane, Australia (13 Jan 03)
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Hi Kylie Had a great time at
Hayman Island and everything went smoothly even managed to get the faster connection to Perth via Sydney from Hamilton island. Had a great time in
Perth also catching up with friends and family - I really miss the Indian Ocean sunsets!" D.O., USA (12 Jan 03)
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THANKS Jo. we had a great time and really appreciate the short notice hustle you guys went through around Xmas to make sure we would make it to
Orpheus Island. The island itself is a wonderful resort. very quiet, superb epicurean food and quite nice accomodations. the staff was charming. the biggest issue is that they do not have daily dive trips (even though website says you can dive for US$110) and so I needed to charter a boat which was very expensive. still staff was helpful in booking the charter. thanks again for your help. happy new year. I look forward to referring people to you in the future." A.S., USA (12 Jan 03)
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Hi Zoe Looks good. We would like to change to the Parmelia Hilton, 14 Mill St, Perth as per your email. Everything else is perfect... Thanking you for your help - I will recommend Globenettravel to my friends as I found you very efficient. Enjoy your holiday," B.L., Ireland (12 Jan 03)
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Hi Zoe, I have been meaning to email you since we got back. We had a wonderful time at
Peppers Palm Bay resort and turned out to be the longest staying guests so far!! - We were upgraded to a buree which was great as the cabin was just too small to stay in for 12 nights. We loved the retreat and it was perfect for what we wanted - not commercial at all. The staff were absolutely fantastic and we spent quite a bit of time with them - the food was excellent as well....
Thanks again for organising the trip - we will definitely go back to the Whitsundays, but not in stinger season (Nov - May). We are really interested in looking at
Heron Island... Thanks again Zoe and I will definitely recommend you as an agent." S.M., Sydney, Australia (10 Jan 03)
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Hey Tina.... Trip was fantastic........ we had a great time diving - I will send you lots of pics...later. Hmmm feedback -
The Four Seasons was great - but $15.50 for a daiquiri! Woooo that was steep... too much so for my blood. Great restaurants down in
The Rocks area though. Took in a couple Italian places there. Absolutely loved
Bondi beach - wish I had a bit more time to go back and lay on the beach - had a really hot day there... around the 23rd or so... water was really warm! Weather got a bit crappy overcast for next few days over Xmas... Loved the 2 tours
Blue Mountains, and
Hunter Valley... Mmmm good wines - we brought some home.
Loved the diving (from
Cairns )- it was awesome!
MV Taka II was an adequate boat. The people were fantastic. I think it was probably a good value but I have not been on any other dive cruises!
1st time we flew with
Quantas - and the people on board were the friendliest/most helpful; of any plane I have ever been on. Air Canada (who we regularly travel with have consistently won "best carrier in North America - but they sometimes don't give meals on even 5 hour flights - Quantas served us 2 X on 1 1/2, and 2 hr flights)...
Blue Mountains tour - I think getting a tour on the smaller buses is a good idea... The
Hunter Valley tour bus (Sydney bus company) was a more comfortable bus though -
Dave's Oz trails bus was a van... more cramped, but he was a great tour guide. We thoroughly enjoyed both of the tours. I would have loved to stay in
Cairns area a bit more - maybe rested in
Palm Cove or something... we were too rushed to pack all the stuff in - I really wish we were still there!
We went to the rotating restaurant at the AMP tower in
Sydney for Xmas dinner. It was the worst dinner I think I've ever paid for - and it wasn't cheap. Had spoke with lots of others in the area afterward.... we dubbed it the "Revolting Restaurant", rather than the rotating restaurant. Please don't recommend anyone go there - tourist trap... food bad - but again the Aussie wine was great.
We loved the
bridge climb !! I'll send you some pics! Hope to get back to Aussie Land again sometime in the not too distant future.... but there are so many other places to go in this world.
Thx again Tina for arranging everything... and pls do send me any specials you have. Next time we would be interested in going to the gold coast area, and perhaps do some white water rafting/outback adventures/rain forest tours etc. And of course some more reef diving - I think I would love to get a few couples together and charter a boat around the Whitsundays sometime! Happy New Year, Tina." D.B., California, USA (10 Jan 03)
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Gayle, We just returned from two weeks of travelling around Australia with your help and I though you would like to know about our experiences.
(1) We arranged our own accommodations in
Hobart, and we can recommend "
Gattonside" at 51/53 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay-but right on the border with Hobart. It is a marvellous 4.5 star place in an old Victorian mansion. Its location is perfect:
Battery Point, Salamanca Market and City Center are all short walks. Because it has only been open a couple of years, it was not known to some of the taxi drivers and I thought it may not yet be on your radar screen either. I also spent a night at
St. Ives across the street and it was pretty good-not luxurious like Gattonside, but cheaper, with kitchens in each unit and communal laundry facilities. It's more cost-effective for long term stays.
(2) The apartment in
Melbourne was excellent, superb. We loved it.
(3) The trip through
the Outback was excellent. Our
ATP tour guide, Steve, was very, very good. He was knowledgable, witty, charming and kept us on schedule. I want to write a letter to ATP praising him. To whom do you suggest I send it?
(4) The accommodations at
Ayres Rock and Kings Canyon were first-rate. (In Kings Canyon, a room adjacent to the bed room had a double jacuzzi and a wall of glass overlooking a natural wallof red rock-hedonistic pleasure, but private. By the way, a toilet and shower were in a separate windowless room.)
(5) I am sorry to report that the
Alice Springs Resort is showing signs of age. The carpet in the corridor is severely stained. The furnishings are 30 years old. The ceiling light was a bare flourscent tube. Having said this, the room size, views, floor plan, restaurant, pool, landscaping were quite good and the staff was wonderful to us. I surmise that the Resort hasn't had enough competition, so its owners haven't made the investments necesary to keep it up. That may change: there is a new casino in town with an attached hotel: "
Lassiter's," I think it's called. Right now, it is probably better than the Resort, but I can't say for sure because we did not go inside.
(6)
The Desert Park near
Alice Springs is fascinating, but 4 hours is too much. Three is plenty, and
the old Telegraph Station is a "must."
(7)
Sydney was everything we expected, and more. Our night at the
Opera House was worth every penny. There is a first-class restaurant with great views in the Opera House complex. (It's the small building with only two "sails" in the official photographs; I think it's called
Guilliame's.) Dining there should be part of every night at the Opera House.
* Finally, our visit was very memorable and we are quite pleased with GlobeNet Travel, Quantas Holidays, and ATP Tours. We thank you for your efficient and helpful service. We will not hesitate to recommend you to our friends, and we hope to return one day to see other sights." W.B. & M.T., Chicago, USA (9 Jan 03)
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Hi Tina, We are back home after a fun-filled two and a half weeks in
Australia & NZ. Everything went smoothly - even that little Skytrans plane - well except for that one time on our way back when it ventured into a dark cloud for half a minute or so :)). The vow renewal was great, the still photos and video are better than our expectations! Stuart and Dominic were very nice to work with, and it was clear that they enjoy their work a lot, and they can get very creative simply because of the fun they have while working. Keep it up, guys! The stay at
Lizard Island resort was luxurious to say the least, the beaches were excellent, the water activities (diving, snorkelling, beach-hopping on our own dinghy, etc.) were all fabulous, and the service and food were to die for ! We went for a day-long diving trip to
Dynamite Pass and Cod Hole - and just had a blast! We would highly recommend the
Anchor Bay Suites to your clients who would like to be within steps from their own beach.
Sails in the Desert at Ayers Rock was great, and the stargazing dinner (
Sounds of Silence ) was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
Sydney was beautiful, and especially the view from our room at the
Four Seasons (clear views of both the
Opera House and
Harbor Bridge ), and thank you so much for recommending the
Bridge Climb. The sights from the top of the bridge were amazing, and there was definitely a sense of accomplishment at the end of it. The
Opera House event on New Year's Eve was great (though honestly I don't care too much for operas) - and more so the views of the Harbor Bridge NYE fireworks.
The other things we did on our own were also a lot of fun - drive from
Sydney to the
Blue Mountains, drive from
Auckland to Rotorua, and in general just roaming the streets of Sydney,
Melbourne, and Auckland. The one thing I wasn't much impressed by was the
Bay of Islands in New Zealand. I considered that a wasted day. Too commercialized, not so many fun activities.. Bad food, dirty plates in the only "good" seafood restaurant they had. I would highly recommend the
Ascott Metropolis hotel in Auckland for the nice rooms, tasteful décor, and fine service, but probably not the
Grand Hyatt in Melbourne or the
Tradewinds hotel in Cairns - though I don't think in those two cities there's much choice either. Now we are back in rainy and cold Seattle (though it has been sunny for us since we arrived - but still cold) with memories of a good summer holiday Down Under. It was very nice meeting and working with all of you guys. And Tina, the drinks were supposed to be on us !!! Anyway, thanks a lot for all your help and the hundreds of emails, and thanks for the drinks as well. Next time, they are on us. Bye" R.S., Seattle, USA (9 Jan 03)
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Zoe, Thanks so much for all of your help. It was one of the most awesome and easy vacations we've ever taken. We definitely plan to return within the next couple of years.
Lizard Island was spectacular and the service and food were top notch. We didn't want to leave. We liked
Silky Oaks as a rest stop but it was a little hot and buggy during the summer for us.
Bondi Beach was everything we expected it to be and the hotel location was perfect. Overall, the people and places in Australia should not be missed by anyone. We'll definitely recommend you to our friends. Have a happy New Year and if I do in fact download my pics I'll send you one. Cheers!" M.& M. B., Los Angeles, USA (9 Jan 03)
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Hi Tina Very many thanks for all the arrangements you kindly organised.
Brampton Island room upgrade was just right...literally on the ocean on the ground floor with just one palm tree under which to shade!. The lunches (which I don't do) were an irresistible temptation ... but such is life! The rest of the arrangements simply faultless. It has been a real joy to have had all the itinerary sorted and without a single hitch!
Booking the Commodore hire car for the Bruce Highway was just right, and the courtesy extended by the Highway Patrol - who let his presence be known but without penalty, I guess is just another fond recollection of the very many we have brought home with us of a wonderful country and wonderful people. The reality of returning to winter is quite shocking... iced up roads, sub zero north east winds and as I write to you I see no turquoise sea or golden sands glistening in the sun just a snow blizzard battering at the window...(it is a novelty as we haven't had such snow for years) ...but there are newer novelties...I can already look forward to my return trip.
If there was an Internet poll for the best Leisure Travel organiser, you get my vote! Once again my sincere thanks and very best wishes for 2003.," A.R., London, UK (9 Jan 03)
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Hello Zoe, I just want to say thank you for a good work on the booking of our
Fitzroy Island stay, it worked out very well. Regards" L.A., USA (8 Jan 03)
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Hi Kylie We have just returned to Manila after a wonderful trip to
Australia. Thank you very much for all your help in putting our trip together. Everything you organised went without a hitch and we enjoyed every moment of our time in your country. It truly is a beautiful place - the little we saw of it - and a very easy place to travel around in as well. Thanks again and if it is OK with you, I will recommend you to anyone needing help. Regards" S.D., Manila, Phillipines (7 Jan 03)
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Hello Jo, all I can say is that everything you did for us was done most efficiently and in the nicest spirit....it was a pleasure working with you!...... and in fact i'm passing on your name to a Travel Agent friend of mine who may in the future end up passing business to you...I'll copy you when I e-mail her your details.
Thks so much for negotiating the credit with
Mike Ball Diving....I didn't know about that...even tho' I talk to Cal ..my son...regularly...By the way their dive trip was excellent in all respects...and I'd strongly recommend them...and the stop over 'hotel' in Cairns...the 'something' Club...don't remember the name ..is nice and convenient.
I hope we can stay in touch...next year, about the same time, we all want to go to Perth [ I have a second brother living there ] then up to
Kingaloo Reef, to dive on a similar 3-4 day dive-boat...out of
Broome I guess? So if you want to start some research on quiet moments ...let me know what you find! All best...and thanks for all your help..." E.M., San Francisco, USA (6 Jan 03)
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