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USA mega Famil. 

As a top seller with Qantas, I had the opportunity to go on a Qantas Holidays & Gate 7 top achievers famil in the USA. On the trip we went to the Universal Studios and so much more! 

Flew

We flew with Qantas and got upgraded to Business Class which was a lovely way to experience the great service of a great airline.

Stay & Activities

We were there for Halloween so we did a whole day at Universal including the night horrors Halloween with Gate 7. Tristan got us all VIP skip the line passes.

We stayed at various hotels in Los Angeles including: Santa Monica – Loews Hotel. With a great location, it was a very nice hotel with Santa Monica wharf across the road. We did bike riding around Santa Monica which was nice and tiring but the bike shop was around the corner from our hotel so a very popular way for tourists to get around.

We also stayed at Ramada West Hollywood which was also a great location and diverse to see the other side of Hollywood. We were there for the Halloween parade where they blocked off the streets – it was really a great spot to see the parade and to be a part of the festivities.

The other hotel we stayed at was the Lowes on Hollywood – This was my favourite with excellent location in which we did the Hollywood walk of fame and also an afternoon walking tour with a few pub stops which was very interesting. This was a great way to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Hollywood.

Highlight

The highlight was going to Magic Castle for lunch and to watch the show. No cameras were allowed as this is where the Hollywood actors like to go to escape the hustle so we were fortunate enough to be lunching next to Jack Black and his family.

Star gazing….

On the trip I saw The Hunger Games stars on Hollywood Boulevard on the stars revealing day.

Below: Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth. 

Park City 2017

What a great 8 days we spent in Park in February 2017. Which I won through Vail Resorts and Skimax Holidays.

We flew over with Delta Airlines which I was pleasantly surprised with. Their service was great and the seats in Economy were better than expected.

Park city is located in Utah, you’ll need to fly to Salt Lake City which is just a 1 ½ hour flight from Los Angeles.

We had 4 nights in Deer Valley and 4 in Park City. We were very lucky to experience total luxury at the Montage Hotel in Deer Valley which was just amazing, this is a try ski in-ski out hotel with all the bells and whistles.

We also had 2 nights at Silver Star Luxury Townhomes and condominiums which have lift access to Park City. These are fantastic for families. They also have their own private vans which will take you into town and back again on call.

With Park City and The Canyons now connected by Gondola this is now the largest ski resort in the U.S. so there is plenty for everyone. Loads of great tree skiing for those of you that love the trees.

There are plenty of restaurants and shopping in town. Park City has a great transport system with all buses being free and very efficient. 

We loved our week in Park City and Deer Valley and will be back again.

This year we only had a small group to travel with us on our skiing holiday.

We took the train from Narita to Tokyo and then to Echigo Yuzawa and then a bus to the Prince hotel. I wouldn’t recommend getting the train again as it is such a hassle getting from train to train with all your ski gear pushing through crowds at the train station.
We had 5 nights in Naeba ski resort. Naeba is about 70 minutes by rail from Tokyo. We stayed at the Prince hotel which is pretty much the only place to stay. The hotel is huge with 1299 rooms and 23 restaurants and loads of shops, the rooms are quite basic, however it’s in a great location and right on the lifts. You can access another resort called Kagura by a long 20 Minute gondola ride. This resort is where we skied most days as it is higher and better quality snow than Naeba. There are 3 ski areas in Kagura ( Kagura,Toshiro and Mitsumata) We walked across the road to the town each night for dinner rather than eat in the prince hotel. The restaurants are much cheaper and more traditional and I would prefer to give my money to the locals.

We then moved on by a private coach to Myoko Kogen (3 hours) for 5 nights (we have skied here a couple of times before) We always stay in the Akakura Annex hotel. The rooms are very basic. We stay in the Japanese/western Combination rooms. The best part about this hotel is the Onsens. They have about 4 indoor and 1 outdoor. The hotel is across the road from the ski lift so about a 5 minute walk.

Myoko Kogen is renowned for its Powder snow and off piste tree skiing. It has several ski resorts linked by a shuttle bus. It has a quaint little town with lots of traditional restaurants.

Our last 5 nights were at Shiga Kogen- we stayed in a beautiful hotel called Okushiga Kogen hotel. This ski resort has 21 different ski areas, it is the largest ski resort in Honshu.
There is only a small town in Shiga Kogen and most restaurants are attached to the hotels. I would recommend for people to get the Meal package at their hotel to include dinner.

The Okushiga Kogen hotel is ski in /ski out and there is only 1 other hotel in this part of the mountain. It offers a set menu each night at their French or Japanese restaurant. The food was amazing and I would definitely advise getting the dinner package included.

On our last day we got the Nagano Snow shuttle back to Narita airport which takes about 6 hours. This is about 1 -2 hours longer than the trains but so much more relaxing.

I recently took part in a wonderful Famil to Disneyland and Huntington Beach with Huntington Beach tourism, Driveway Holidays and Virgin Australia.

The flight with Virgin Australia was great with efficient staff and a clean, comfortable aircraft.
I have been to Disneyland several times before, however I still managed to have so much fun. We got VIP seating to see the fireworks which were amazing.
The secret surprise was our stay at Huntington Beach which is only about a 30 minute drive from Disneyland. This is a great option for families that want to experience Disneyland and the surf/Beach experience too. Even if you didn’t want to stay in Anaheim you can always stay at Huntington Beach as they have a shuttle to and from Disneyland.

There is 17 Kilometres of uninterrupted coastline and what better way to see it then on a Bicycle.
Huntington beach has lots of restaurants and shops to explore. You can have surf lessons or stand-up board paddling lessons.
A must do with the kids is to see the sun go down around a bon fire on the beach whilst enjoying delicious s’mores.

ITINERARY
Tuesday, October 20
6:30am Arrive LAX on VA1. Process through customs and pick up luggage.
7:15am Meet your host, Melanie Mayer, at the arrivals area. The group will catch the shuttle to the car hire depot and pick up vehicles.
9:00am Drive from LAX to Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance
(Melanie to call Rick with Disney: 714 726 9111 when we are on the road)
10:30am Arrive at Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance
1420 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim California 92802
714 254 1442
**The hotel is sold out the night prior, but they will do their best to have our rooms available as soon as possible. Please pack appropriately and be prepared if your room is not quite ready.
• Accommodations compliments of Willie Simpson, Director of Sales and Marketing

Check in and freshen up.
11:00am Meet Rick with Disney at the hotel for a brief hello and receive Park Hopper tickets.
12noon-10pm Enjoy Disneyland and California Adventures
On this day, Disneyland is open until 10pm
California Adventures is open until 8pm
8pm Preferred viewing area of Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever
Wednesday, October 21
8:00am Meet in lobby of Courtyard Anaheim to walk to breakfast at the Disneyland Hotel
8:25am Meet Rick from Disney in front of Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel
8:30am Disney Character Breakfast at the Disneyland Hotel
1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802
714-778-6600
10am – 8pm Enjoy Disneyland and California Adventures
On this day, both Disneyland and California Adventures are open until 10pm.

Thursday, October 22
Breakfast Though the Courtyard Anaheim would have loved to include breakfast, they are brand new, and just not there yet. That said, there is heaps of food available at low cost. There’s a Starbucks outlet at the bar, The Bistro has quick menu items like healthy omelets, and The Market by reception is a grab-and-go spot for quick stuff like oatmeal, fruit, cereal, bars, etc. You can get a bite for $5.
8:50am Meet in Courtyard Anaheim Lobby to walk next door to Howard Johnson.
9am Site inspection of Howard Johnson – #1 seller for the moderate tier Anaheim properties
1380 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802
10am Free time
Stroll Downtown Disney, hit the hotel’s waterpark, or just relax!

12noon Check out and drive to Huntington Beach
Lunch In-N-Out Burger lunch on the road
18062 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA 92648, United States
1:30pm Arrive in Surf City USA!
Check in to the Kimpton Shorebreak
500 Pacific Coast Highway, 714.861.4470
www.shorebreakhotel.com
Ocean breezes and sunshine are your sidekicks in our chill corner of paradise. Give them some hang time. Shorebreak is your coastal crash pad, and it’s not like other Huntington Beach hotels. We define surfer cool, but think beyond the boardshorts. Shake off the sand and enjoy our scene, just steps from the shoreline. Raise a glass on the lively outdoor patio. Retreat to your quiet-harbor guestroom at our laid back Huntington Beach boutique hotel. The beach is your backyard and fun-loving Main Street is just a block away — for the wild child inside you.
• Accommodations compliments of Gene Smallwood, Director of Sales and Marketing

2:30 pm Electric Bike Rentals at Pedego Bikes
301 5th St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648, (714) 465-2782
www.pedegohb.com
Pedego Electric Bikes, with their classic California styling, are the most popular bikes in the US – combining style and function to open up cycling to anyone who might otherwise not be getting the benefits from bike riding. You’ll love it so much, they guarantee you’ll come back from your ride wearing a huge smile!
• Located on the corner of 5th Street and Olive Street in Downtown Huntington Beach, an easy walk up the street from your hotel
• Bike rental available until 4:30 pm

5:50pm Meet in Lobby to walk to dinner
6:00 pm Dinner at BLK
300 Pacific Coast Highway #202; (714) 960-0996; www.blkearthseaspiritshb.com
BLK features the finest ocean view dining of the beach area and specializes in Kobe Style Beef hand-cut steaks, chops, and seafood. The distinctive menu comprised of contemporary American cuisine is prepared on either a Hickory woodfire grill or in a 1600 degree specialty Steak broiler creating delicious and savory flavors in all the meat, poultry and seafood dishes.
• Lunch compliments of Kevin Reik, General Manager at BLK Earth Sea Spirits

8:00 pm Walk to Bonfire and S’mores on the Beach with Waterfront Adventures
Located on the beach at Pacific Coast Highway and Twin Dolphin Drive (between the Hilton and Hyatt resorts)
Watch the sun go down over the Pacific Ocean while enjoying a warm bonfire and delicious s’mores, an “All American” treat that is a combination of toasted marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers – all provided by Waterfront Adventures Beach Butler Bonfire Service.
• Please bring a jacket or sweatshirt to wear on the beach
• Upon arrival, check in with main building of Waterfront Adventures to be taken to your private bonfire

Friday, October 23rd 2015
9:00am Breakfast at Zimzala followed by Site Inspection
Located within the Kimpton Shorebreak; www.restaurantzimzala.com
California is all about relaxed excellence, and Zimzala is a California restaurant, through and through. They’re obsessed with celebrating the bountiful produce that grows here year-round, and that passion is reflected in their chef’s seasonally changing menus of coastal cuisine.
• Breakfast compliments of Gene Smallwood, Director of Sales & Marketing

10:30am Drive to SUP lesson
11:00 am Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lesson with Rocky McKinnon
Sea Bridge Park, 16216 Countess Drive in Huntington Harbour;
714-377-6101; www.mckinnonsurfboards.com
Enjoy a Paddle Boarding lesson from Rocky McKinnon, a local professional surfer, paddle boarder and board shaper taught by some of the most elite watermen in the world. Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is a water sport developed and originated in Hawaii. It involves navigating a large surfboard with an extended paddle to propel forward movement. Stand-Up Paddle Boarding has been described as a combination of paddling a canoe and surfing.
• Please wear a bathing suit or workout type clothing that you feel comfortable in and do not mind getting wet. Please bring a towel, sunscreen and an extra change of clothing, just in case you get wet.

1:00 pm Lunch at Fred’s Mexican Café
300 Pacific Coast Hwy.; 714-374-8226; www.fredsmexicancafe.com
Perched above Main Street at Pacific Coast Highway, Fred’s offers outdoor dining with fantastic sunset views along with funky décor and great music. Sample the fresh, tasty Mexican cuisine made from quality sirloin steak, high-grade seafood, charbroiled, boneless, skinless chicken breast, boiled black beans and oven baked Mexican rice.
• Lunch compliments of Fred’s Mexican Café

3:00 pm Downtime to relax or explore!
Take this time to explore Huntington Beach’s downtown area, or grab a towel and head to the beach! Try Kite Connection on the HB Pier, or you can try a bike rental from any of the beach concessions located along the 10 miles of paved walkway parallel to our coast. Maybe you’d like to try a surrey, which are the four person bicycle/cart hybrids. Whatever you choose, this time is yours to do as you please!
5:30 pm Dinner at Sandy’s
315 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, (714) 374-7273; www.sandyshb.com
Sandy’s celebrates all that is authentically Californian. Beyond the beachfront location and selection of California wines & craft beers, whenever possible they source ingredients locally and are proud to support local California farms and their families. Admire the sparkling ocean that serves as the perfect backdrop to any breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Dinner compliments of Jason Pierce, Manager of Sandy’s Restaurant

7:30 pm To Be Announced!

Saturday, October 24th 2015
Breakfast On own
9:00am Surf Lesson at Toes on the Nose at Waterfront Adventures
Within the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in the Retail Courtyard, 714-845-4638; www.toesonthenose.com
Learn to catch a wave in Surf City USA! During this lesson you will learn the basics of surfing. The instructors of Toes on the Nose even guarantee that you will be able to stand up on your board by the end of the lesson!

11:00am Return to Kimpton Shorebreak to freshen up for shopping.
12:30 pm Shuttle to Shopping at South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA; (714) 435-2000
www.southcoastplaza.com
South Coast Plaza defines the luxury shopping experience with extraordinary boutiques, personal shopping services, and upscale amenities all within a short distance of Surf City, USA. South Coast Plaza is recognized internationally for its unparalleled retail collection and award-winning restaurants.
• Hospitality suite and gift bags courtesy of South Coast Plaza
• After shopping at South Coast Plaza, meet your driver at the original drop off point in front of the Macy’s Men store no later than 3:30pm

4:00 pm Return to Hotel and Check Out
5:30 pm Depart Huntington Beach for LAX
7:00pm Drop Hire cars and shuttle to International Terminal
10:20pm Depart LAX on VA2
Monday October 26
7:20am Arrive Sydney

Abu Dhabi, October 2016.

On my trip to Abu Dhabi last year, a highlight was staying at The Palace for a night. I have never seen anything like it – a truly unique experience and a must have was the Gold Leaf Cappuccino.

We also stayed at the Qasr Al arab in the desert –  what a resort in the middle of sand dunes! We did sand bashing at 4.00am which was heaps of fun.

Friday morning saw us all meet at Wharf 6 , Circular Quay for the start of what would be a hilarious weekend sailing from Sydney to Brisbane.

We were treated to a Captain Cook Ferry service from Circular Quay to White Bay, a service specially designed for P&O cruise bound passengers. This is a fantastic way to get around to White Bay and giving you a scenic harbour cruise in the process.

After arriving at the Cruise Terminal and a very swift and prompt check in, we make our way on board Aria… but wait we have to take the mandatory Cruise Ship Photo! Lots of cheesy smiles, then we’re off.

So far so good, all the processes have been smooth, fast and efficient; a quick scan of our Cruise Card and we’re on board … looking for our cabins, then it’s up to The Pantry for lunch (along with the other 1500 passengers) and a little disorganised and very, very crowded… is this what cruising is like?

Rushed from eating to our ship inspection we are taken around by Zac from P&O in a very comical, enthusiastic and very professional manner. We get to see all the main dining options, the theatre, the reception area, the deck activities and the all-important bars… (We all make note of these) – But can anyone find their cabin again?

With the sounding of the alarms, it is time for the emergency drill at our muster stations. No one told me that this was a rushed event and but the time we made our way to the muster station our area was full. While we followed the drill and make a mental note of what lifeboat we needed to be on, it was off to the deck area to watch the ship sail out of Sydney Harbour … and how amazing was that! Very civilised with cocktails and a spectacular view of Sydney in all its winter glory – we sail away.

With more formalities of a hosted dinner with Zac, we start with pre dinner cocktails, a cocktail for the road and then off to Angelo’s for dinner with more wine, a delicious Italian meal and again more wine. Tonight is the Bianco party – all white is mandatory (so is dancing and a cocktail or two … or was that 12?) a very late night but lots of fun, lots of laughs and lots of dancing. The perfect party to start your cruise.

Breakfast in the Waterfront restaurant was a nice start to the day and got us all set for our training at sea , a very relaxed sales talk from Zac on the happenings at P&O and how we can maximise our selling skills with their ships, what’s new, and what’s hot – all at a million miles an hour.

Now we’re off on our own to live a Cruiseling’s day at sea … and that involved bingo, a walk around deck 6 with the smokers, a coffee – another walk (that meant a smoke) lunch, another drink in a bar … (what bar was that?) … off to a Martini Masterclass with real live martini tasting … that my idea of a relaxed afternoon and now it’s time for dinner (more eating). Tonight it was Dragon Lady – P&O’s signature Asian restaurant. This was FANTASTIC, and one of the best Asian meals I’ve ever had – with a combination of dishes we ordered the entire menu to share (and a few extra dishes) Incredibly tasty dishes, all finished with a wasabi Crème Brule and berry sorbet.

One more formality for the night with a Farewell drink from the staff from P&O in the Dome, the perfect time to thank our hosts for their hospitality and reminisce about our days at sea… (Days – didn’t we leave only yesterday afternoon?).

We have to take in one of the famous P&O show’s at sea… so we take front row seats and watch in awe. This night is still young, so it’s off to the Dome to watch Karoke (no please don’t go on X factor … you really can’t sing!), and then time to party the last night away before we have an early start.

As the morning arrives, we realise we’ve now docked at Portside Wharf in Brisbane and it‘s time to bid a sad farewell to our dear friend Aria…. But wait … do we have time for one last breakfast at the Waterfront Restaurant? Yes we do! So while the masses lug their oversized baggage to their departure points we sit at our table and enjoy our last P&O breakfast before we collect our carry-on baggage and take the last steps off the ship … a bit bleary eyed, swaying slightly as the ship has docked and make our way to Brisbane Airport for our Virgin flight back to reality (oops that was meant to be home!).

A very short hour flight gets is back home in true itravel style.

We laughed, we ate, we drank, we danced, we were educated, we tried to play bingo, we drank, we laughed (a lot), we ate again, we drank a bit more (well a lot more) …. But most of all we all had a fantastic time. So yes, I now think we all are CRUISELINGS!