International Travel

Welcome to the AboutSeniors international travel page. This page will provide you with extensive information and links to a variety of travel options in a range of countries. Discover beautiful Asia with a variety of tour options and information available, or how about a train trip in Canada, truly a once in a life time experience. Boasting stunning scenery from lush fields and dramatic coastlines to vibrant villages and cosmopolitan cities, Ireland is a great travel option. Have you ever wanted to visit Italy? Why wait! Check our our Italy page for some great tours and travel offers.  You can check out our Frequently Asked Questions regarding International Travel. Also check out our Seniors Travel Insurance page to get the best deal!

Ultimate white Christmas

For the young and young-at-heart, it doesn’t get more Christmassy than visiting Santa in Lapland.

Each year, MyPlanet’s Christmas packages sell out, with eager travellers wanting to experience the delight of the real Christmas Winter Wonderland and maybe catch a glimpse of the man in red himself. 

Starting 23 December on the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi, the five days four-night tour promises to be magical. Not only will the exotic snowy scene bathed in the blue twilight of the Artic Circle enthrall you but also the dance of the Northern lights would alone be worth the trip.

On Christmas Eve, you can visit Santa’s hideaway as he prepares for his mammoth trip around the world and his helpers will treat you to Christmas Eve snacks. Children can learn how to make their own Christmas decorations and even test drive Santa’s sleigh!

As well as all things Christmas, adults can enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna experience and there’s plenty of snow fun for all.

Prices start from $2560 per adult and $1480 for children, which includes accommodation, transfers, meals and activities but do not include airfares. 

To find out more about Santa and Finland, visit Santa Claus Village.

For enquiries and bookings, visit MyPlanet.

Tartan terrors

Scots are the third largest immigrant group in Australia, meaning that many Australians can trace their ancestry back to the highlands and lowlands of Scotland

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is celebrating 250 years since the birth of the nation’s poet, Rabbie Burns.  Known for his womanising and drinking, some might say he typifies all Scots but regardless of what you believe, it’s true to say that the majority of Scots love to party.

So the yearlong celebration offer plenty of opportunities for tartan Aussies to head back to Scotland and get a true taste of the country their ancestors came from.

One of the highlights for those interested in tracing their family history would have to be the International Genealogy Festival, held from 21-24 July 2009 in Glasgow.  Day two of the festival is dedicated to the Aussies and the Kiwis. 

Find out more details on the International Genealogy Festival or sample the wider offerings of Homecoming Scotland 2009.

International online check-in

In a move to make travel easier and speed up airport check-in times, Qantas has introduced online check-in for international travellers.

For many years Qantas domestic travellers have enjoyed the convenience of online check-in.  In a long awaited move, Qantas has extended this service to passengers travelling overseas, a service already offered by most other carriers.

All you need is your booking reference, surname and passport details and you can check in from the comfort of your own home 24 hours in advance of your flight.

For more information, visit Qantas.

Turkish treat

It may be a little too late to enjoy a last minute trip to Turkey to celebrate ANZAC Day but a stay at the Ayasofya Hotel is a delight at any time of the year.

Recently taken over by two lovely Australians, Gaye and Michele, the Ayasofya Hotel was originally a wooden edifice built in the 19th century as a private home. In 1980, it was derelict and was rebuilt in its original Ottoman style.  Opened as a hotel in July 1990 it has since offered traditional Turkish hospitality for guests from all over the world.

The hotel is centrally located in the Old City, only a few minutes walk from the Blue Mosque, St.Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome and the other tourist attractions.
Enjoying easy access from Istanbul International Airport (18 km away), the Ayasofa Hotel is an oasis at the end of the long haul flight from Australia.

Being centrally situated, the main railway station (3 km) and the urban tram (2 blocks away), make it a great base for exploring Istanbul, and further a field if you’re feeling adventurous!  Along with the treasure of the past and the charm of an old Ottoman house, Ayasofya Hotel also offers the vital amenities of the modern world.

Gaye and Michele would love to welcome you to their new acquisition and if you wish to find out more or make a booking, visit the Ayasofya Hotel.

Destination guides

Have a look at some of these top destinations Imaginative Traveller can take you to before making up your mind where to travel.
Asia
Middle East
Central Asia
Africa
Europe
Antartica
Central America
South America
South East Asia

New tours for 2009

Be one of the first to experience fantastic new tours on offer for 2009.
Imaginative Traveller have let their imaginations run wild and come up with some fabulous new trips to intriguing destinations such as Angola, Uganda, Libya, Oman and Papua New Guinea and hidden corners of India, Europe and Jordan.

Also new for 2009 are unusually themed trips exploring India’s spirituality, the different tribes of Tanzania, learning bush skills in Kenya, cycling tours through Thailand or Cuba and a fabulous volunteer trip in Namibia. And last but not least, an exhilarating land-based multi-activity trip to the fabulous Galapagos Islands! For more information, visit Imaginative Traveller. 

Responsible travel

With so much more of the world being accessible to travel these days, the onus is on us to ensure the wonders we visit are safe for future generations of locals and travellers alike.

Tourism is often key for countries to grow but it should never be at the expense of culture or the environment.  Travellers to any country should be aware of the environmental stability of the area and respect this when touring the sights of the land.  Responsible tour operators should have trained staff who are aware of the environmental intricacies of the areas they take tours into, and ensure that the necessary information is passed on to travellers, and encourage them to adhere to the ‘rules’.

The cultural aspects of travel are probably the most important.  The key to enjoying a trip to a remote or culturally diverse land is to see how the natives of that land live, behave and survive sometimes difficult situations.  What we see when travelling is not always pretty and can be distressing, but we must learn to respect that this is the way life is for people and should not force our beliefs and understanding on others.  Before you travel, you should consult a reputable travel guide for information on religion, dress, photography, animal cruelty, shopping etc, or consult your travel agent.

If possible, try to get involved with local projects when you are there, the best way to understand and experience the full joy of where you are visiting is by interacting positively with the locals.  Ask your travel company if they are sponsoring, or know of any projects in the area and try to get involved.

Another part of responsible travel is looking after yourself and the safety of those with which you are travelling.  It’s all well and good to want to visit the remotest areas of the world, but sometimes it is simply not safe to do so.  Before travelling, take into consideration the area you will be visiting and pack accordingly for the weather and terrain. If the area you are travelling to has a high crime rate, leave your valuables at home, simple things like this can save a lot of trouble and heartache in the long run.

For details more details on responsible travel, visit Imaginative Traveller. 

Booking made simple

Book your tour/s, flight and travel insurance with Imaginative Traveller’s dedicated reservations team on 1300 135 088. Let them do the groundwork for you when deciding on international flights. They source their flights daily, giving you the best price from a wide range of airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Silk Air, LAN, South African Airways and Kenyan Airways. Why book with Imaginative Traveller?

Slow train to Shimla

Escape from the hustle and bustle of India and let the train take the strain while you enjoy some of the most stunning vistas this eclectic country has to offer.

The leisurely pace of train travel in India lets you sit back, relax and enjoy the ever changing and panoramic views of the breathtaking scenery, as invigorating air whistles through the carriage. As you chug up the hills, passing through little hamlets and colourful fields, the stresses and strains of the city are left far behind you.

The toy train (how the locals refer to the narrow gauge trains) journey from Kalka to Shilma is lots of fun, taking in 107 lofty bridges and tunnels along the six-hour trip.  Stopping at picturesque stations such as Dharmpore, Taksal and Gamma along the way adds to this enjoyable experience.

With a maximum speed of only 33km an hour, the twisty journey from Mettupalayam to Ooty gives you plenty of time to do nothing more than enjoy the trek across plains, plantations and forest clad hills. The 16 tunnels and tall bridges on the way, as well as the breathtaking view, make this toy train journey to Ooty an extraordinary experience!

Possibly the most famous of all the little train journeys in India, is the trip across the plains from New Jalpaiguri, to the lovely hill station of Darjeeling. With only a two-foot gauge, the Darjeeling Hill Railway is the narrowest of the regular gauges. The tiny century-old engine is a connoisseur’s delight, making this ‘toy train’ very popular indeed. With no tunnels along this line, you are treated to an uninterrupted view of the Himalayan scenery on the seven and a half hour journey.

Find out more about the full range of Indian toy train journeys.

And Maccu Pichu itself?

Well, what can we say? We had no idea what a special place this is – and suspect it would take many visits, and much scholarship, to understand the importance of this ancient site.
Located high in the “cloud forest” of the Andes, about 30 kilometres from the ancient Incan capital of Cusco, Maccu Pichu was the special citadel created by Incans in the 15th century for royals, astronomers, and scientists. It is often referred to as a ruin, but this is incorrect. Some 60 percent of the buildings are intact, 30 per cent have been restored, and it sis said that 10 per cent are yet to be discovered. Happily for the Peruvians (not to mention the rest of us), their Spanish conquerors did not discover this abandoned settlement during their time of occupation. In fact, it was only discovered by an American, Hiram Bingham, in the early 20th Century and even he was seeking another site.
Today Maccu Pichu is a peaceful and uplifting reminder of an intelligent, sophisticated and humane civilisation which conquered other tribes, but then encouraged them to assimilate and work toward the common good. Many travellers choose to trek up the Inca Trail to the fortifications, but be warned this is a strenuous four-day challenge, often exacerbated by the effects of altitude sickness caused by the location 2970 metres above sea level. For a less punishing, but still rewarding, visit take the train from Ollyantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and stay at one of the hotels in town. Buses leave every ten minutes for Maccu Pichu and your entry fee entitles you to maximum access all day. You will need to purchase another ticket if you return the next day. For those flush with cash the Hiram Bingham explorer from Cusco offers a luxurious package of train travel, brunch, a guided tour, and cocktails and dinner upon return. But as we said, it’s not about the money…whether you trek, train or bus it in you will find this ancient town in the sky a truly uplifting and extraordinary place.

More
Maccu Pichu - http://www.sacredsites.com/americas/peru/machu_picchu.html
Hiram Bingham - http://www.railplus.com.au/pass.cfm?pass=hiram-bingham

Favourite 50 year-old

Christmas Island celebrates 50 years of Australian sovereignty with the honour of being named in Sir David Attenborough’s all time top ten nature experiences.

The migration of red crabs was enough to secure the Top Ten slot for Christmas Island, which has so much more on offer. The island’s tourism association has complied a list of 50 things to do on the island, including swimming with whalesharks, sea kayaking to secret caves and discovering over 200 species that exist nowhere else on the planet.

Named by Captain William Mynors when he arrived, but was unable to land, on the island on Christmas Day, 1643. The rugged coasts protected the island from human habitation until 1688, when the English buccaneering ship Cygnet arrived under Captain Swan, recorded the first land on the island.

For many, Christmas Island remains a dot in the Indian Ocean, but with 63% of the island being national park, there is plenty to keep nature lovers interested.

See for yourself the beauty of its natural wonders and discover Christmas Island.

European treks

Surely the best and most satisfying way to enjoy the sights and sounds of Europe is on foot, and is made even more enjoyable when you don’t have to carry your own bags.

Self-guided walking tours are becoming more and more popular as people yearn to see the real countryside, and meet the real people of land they’re visiting.  The logistics can make it difficult but there are companies that will arrange everything for you. Companies such as UTRACKS are ideal for travellers who enjoy independent travel but lack the knowledge or confidence to head off totally on their own

An Australian based company, UTRACKS can arrange walking trekking or cycling tours throughout Europe, either as self guided or small group guided tours. You are provided with maps and itineries which match the pace you wish to travel at, with support on hand for those “just in case” moments. As you enjoy you leisurely, or demanding pathway through untouched areas of Europe, your luggage is transported to wherever you will lay your head that night.

Accommodation is chosen for its comfort, warm welcome and to give you a true taste of the locale you’re visiting.  All you have to do is follow your chosen route, enjoying local hospitality along the way. It really couldn’t be easier, the hardest part will be deciding where to go.

For more information on all the locations and services UTRACK have to offer, visit www.utracks.com.au

Celtic connections

If you’re taking a trip back to Ireland to search for your ancestors then a visit with the Shelbourne Hotel’s Genealogy butler is a must.

Historic Dublin hotel, The Shelbourne has appointed a genealogy butler to help its guests to trace their roots. Helen Kelly, a Dublin native, has for the last 13 years been helping people trace their Irish ancestry and has now taken on the role of genealogy butler at the newly restored and refurbished hotel.

Once a reservation has been made at the Shelbourne, ideally situated on St Stephen’s Green, guest can book the services of Ms Kelly online. The cost of this service is approx $160 per hour, which includes initial research from previously completed questionnaire and an appointment with the genealogy butler at your convenience.

Don’t worry if your search takes you out of Dublin to some of the most picturesque countryside in Ireland, the Shelbourne’s genealogy butler will assist with booking you hotel accommodation at any of the six Marriot International Hotels in Ireland.

For more information and bookings, visit The Shelbourne, Dublin.

Discover India – 10 top tips

About to set off on his 30th trip to this fascinating country, Thomas E. King suggests ten memorable experiences that won’t break the budget in India.

1. Greypower
Travel by caparisoned elephant to the terraced ramparts of Amber Fort, a magnificent sixteenth century fortress-palace near Jaipur in the desert state of Rajasthan. Visit http://www.rajasthantourstravel.com (navigate via ‘Profile’ to ‘Tourist Attractions’ and scroll down to ‘Elephant Safari in Amber Fort’).  You can also elephant-ride in eastern India’s Kaziranga National Park, one of the last refuges of the rare one-horned rhinoceros. Visit www.kaziranga-national-park.com

2. Tea time
Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? A stroll through the lush tea plantations of Darjeeling is a personal favourite, for the incredible panorama it provides of the snow-capped Himalayas. Perched at 2134m, the ridge-hugging town was established by the British as a summer capital in the early nineteenth century. Visit www.indiaprofile.com (click on ‘Tea Tourism in India’)

3. ... or tee time?
The British also introduced golf to India, in 1829 in Calcutta. Today, pocket-pleasing rounds can be played on more than 160 fields of green which range in quality from basic to brilliant. Several western-style sports retreats have been built but I prefer vintage courses where the feel of yesteryear still lingers. Visit http://golfindia.net

4. Hands on
After the game, relax with an aromatic ayurvedic massage. Certified centres are located in many cities although southern Kerala State has virtually cornered the market for picture-perfect ayurvedic spas. It costs around $30 for 45 minutes of fragrant bliss, though some visitors stay for weeks to achieve full benefits from the ‘science of life’. Visit www.incredibleindia.org (navigate via ‘Wellness’ to ‘Ayurveda’) and http://ayurveda.iloveindia.com

5. More in the mind
Yoga centres are also widespread with the Yoga Institute in Mumbai offering week-long residential courses for less than $100. Qualified English-speaking instructors demonstrate time-tested techniques that enhance physical and mental health. Visit www.iloveindia.com/spirituality

6. Food, glorious food
Cooking schools are popular with those who already know that not all Indian food is curry and not all curry is hot. Presented by notables such as Chennai Culinary Institute’s Chandri Bhat (ph 044-28111434), courses in specialities like vegetarian cuisine and Indian sweets cost less than $10 a day.

7. Ride the rails
India has the world’s second largest railway system; although stations in large cities may be somewhat chaotic, the din subsides once you’re cocooned inside a comfortable carriage. Though many domestic airlines across the country, I always look forward to train travel because it’s a great way to savour the countryside and meet like minds. Visit www.seat61.com/India.htm

8. Song and dance
Once at your destination, allocate time for a cultivated evening or three attending a classical music or dance performance. For information and events, visit http://www.artindia.net. If you can go the distance, a marathon length Bollywood epic is an eye opener. Bone up on Bollywood (including cinema locations) at www.indiancinemas.com

9. Just for you
Should you have a specialist interest, devise a personalised itinerary in consultation with a registered tourist guide licensed by the Department of Tourism. Tailor-made tours from $30 a day can incorporate varied interests from exploring British built heritage buildings in major gateways to visiting cottage industry craft centres where artisans still produce masterpieces.

10. Go rural
The current buzz words in India are rural tourism. Designed to alleviate rural poverty, this innovative concept encourages tourists to head into the countryside, to stay in local style lodgings and experience a way of life little changed for centuries. Visit www.exploreruralindia.org

Qantas upgrades

Qantas has announced new ‘premium economy class’ services.

You can now book premium economy seats on Qantas for flights from April 2008. The new service class will be available from Sydney to London or Johannesburg. Flights from Melbourne to London will begin in May 2008 and from Sydney to Hong Kong from August 2008. Premium Economy offers a brand new 19.5-inch wide seat, generous seat recline and leg room (up to 40-inch pitch), 8-inch in-arm touch screen video monitor, ergonomic cushioning and an adjustable headrest and noise-cancelling headsets. Frequent flyers can earn double points on some flights. Priority check-in, dedicated cabin crew, an additional hand baggage allowance and priority boarding and disembarkation are also a part of the new premium economy class.

International discounts

Saving dollars shouldn’t stop as you leave the country. Those who enjoy a Seniors card in Australia might also like to purchase and use cards in the USA and Canada and enjoy the benefits.

Whilst most Australians are aware of the State-based Seniors card benefits, few realise they are able to purchase a card in America and Canada and receive similar benefits, even though they are not residents. Sadly the reverse is not true, and visitors here have to take pot luck hoping individual businesses will offer a seniors discount.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) sells a discount card for international visitors for US $28 per annum. Find out more here

In Canada, the Canadian Association for Retired Persons (CARP) hosts a site called 50Plus, which negotiates discounts and offers them online. Find out more here

And in New Zealand, NZ $20 will purchase a Seniors card enabling you multi- discounts. Find out more here

Budget travel guide

A new bible of budget travel has been released and the people behind the guide, Gecko’s adventures, are also offering a 10 per cent discount on bookings before 31 October.

The guide book includes trips to fascinating places that won’t break your bank. Perhaps the ‘Galapagos with Amazon & Incas’ will appeal or the ‘Kathmandu to Kerala’ option might spice up your life.

And for environmentally conscious types, Gecko’s is the first Australian adventure tour operator to offer a voluntary carbon offsetting option on the land component of all its tours, as well as the accompanying flights. For further information contact your travel agent, call Gecko’s Adventures on 1300 854 500 or visit click here

Pining for your pooch?

Here’s a bit of fun. If, whilst travelling in Canada, you find yourself missing your pup, ‘loner dogs’ are available for walkies.

Fairmont Hotels have a ‘fleet’ of doggies that you can book online and take for walks if you are a hotel guest. During the day, between walks, they sit in their kennels in front of the hotels, keeping the doormen company and welcoming guests with wagging tails.

In Quebec City, Santol is available at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac; at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, golden retriever Mavis and yellow lab Beau do the honours, and at the The Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver, Holly, a golden lab-retriever cross, is on duty. All four ‘pups’ are actively involved in charity fund raising and responsible dog ownership programs. The Chateau Frontenac donates $25 to the MIRA Foundation (Guide Dogs for the Blind) from sales of their ‘It’s a dog’s life’ hotel accommodation package. For more information, click here

Adventures for the less-abled

For the less-abled or disabled, travelling to Thailand and finding their way in and out temples or riding on the back of an elephant just got a whole lot easier.

Safety and fun is the mantra of a company called ‘Adventure Holidays Thailand’. It’s a husband and wife company started after Englishman Tom Grant’s wife, Malee, contracted Multiple Sclerosis. As well as organising the tours to suit less-abled people, they have also made a company policy to hire as many disabled people as possible.

These holidays are designed around your needs and abilities but with the belief that anything is possible, as long as you are cared for safely and properly by people who understand and pride themselves in their work.

Tom and Malee have lived in Thailand for many years and aim to create an adventure which can be taken at your own pace. You can stay at luxury five-star hotels or in bungalow resorts right near the beach. To find out more about this wonderful service, click here

Egypt – once in a lifetime!

The mystery and wonder of Egypt has been a lure for travelers throughout the ages. A recent survey by Insight Vacations has reported that Egypt is indeed a hot spot for travel with a strong increase in global tourism numbers with 99% of respondents having considered taking a holiday in Egypt. As well, 95% of respondents indicated that they would select to travel on an escorted holiday to make sure they experienced all the must see sights, had everything pre-booked and had the added safety of travelling in a group with an expert guide. If you have been considering your own ‘once in a lifetime’ holiday to Egypt, there is only one way to do it – in style with Insight Vacations!

Insight offers seven itineraries to Egypt that include Nile cruising, premium highlights, delicious dining and the services of a professional tour guide and Egyptologist. Order a free Insight Vacations Ancient Civilizations brochure by clicking here

Battlefields Tour

Insight Vacations brings history to life on this exceptional tour, visiting an array of WWI landmark sites throughout the beautiful countryside of France and Belgium. Visit the 91st Anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles and the Battle of Somme, D-Day beaches, the Commonwealth War Cemetery, Bullecourt Museum, Villers Bretonneaux and the Imperial War Museum in London.

Tour inclusions:
• Insight Vacations Premier French tour director and an expert Australian battlefield guide
• One way tickets from Paris to London on the Eurostar
• Air-conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats and washroom
• In-depth sightseeing tours with local guides in Paris and London
• First class hotels
• 14 buffet breakfasts, five lunches at local restaurants, four hotel dinners with wine
• Two highlight dinners including a sparkling evening at the Eiffel Tower and a cruise on the river Thames in London
Price is per person, land only, twin share. To find out more about the exclusive tour, click here

Romantic destinations…

To enjoy a romantic break anytime, Insight Vacations visits the cities of love in impeccable style and perfect comfort.

Scenic Italy & Amazing Switzerland – 13 days from $3399 per person, twin share, land only
Journey from Rome all the way to Zurich, with two-night stays in Florence, La Spezia, Zermatt, and Interlaken. On this holiday you’ll see the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, stop in the Tuscan village of Montepulciano, and admire Michelangelo’s Statue of David in Florence. You’ll see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, explore the seaside 5 towns of Cinque Terre and visit the amazing gothic cathedral in Milan. In Switzerland, you’ll journey into the Swiss Alps, take an electric taxi into Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn, and admire the glaciers and rocky peaks of the Steingletscher, before heading to the Valley of the Waterfalls, Lucerne and Zurich. This tour can also be combined with a beautiful river cruise, Castles along the Rhine. Starting in Zurich, this cruise winds its way down the Rhine to Amsterdam, stopping at charming towns and delightful vineyards along the way. Castles along the Rhine – seven days from $2860 per person

European Panorama – 18 days from $5350 per person, twin share, land only
This holiday is the ultimate grand tour of Europe, visiting England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France. Travellers will enjoy two-night stays in every major city so there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy each location. This tour includes premium highlights such as a gondola ride in Venice, a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower, a tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, as well as a Mount Pilatus excursion.

Italian Elegance – 12 days from $3350 per person, twin share, land only
Enjoy all the highlights of Northern Italy plus discover quaint little villages and local secrets.  From the waterscape of Venice to the crystal Italian lakes and gorgeous seaside towns of Cinque Terre, Insight’s Italian Elegance is just that - an elegant way to discover Italy. Whether you have been to Italy before or it’s your first time, this tour is the perfect choice for those who want to experience their own little piece of La Dolce Vita.

Insight guests enjoy more intimate groups, limited to just 40 passengers, the services of an experienced tour director and the assurance of staying in top quality hotels which are centrally or scenically located. Travel in style on Insight’s luxury reconfigured coaches with more legroom and comfort so the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.

To make a booking visit your local travel agent, or for more information see Insight Vacation’s website.