Australia/ New Zealand 16 days Solo!
Sep 30th, 2007, 08:19 AM
#22
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Well, it doesn't matter exactly what kind of certification Melodie has as long as she is providing valuable advice!
I think I probably know enough about the places I'm going to have a fantastic vacation. I appreciate everyone's help.
Sep 30th, 2007, 08:33 AM
#23
Scrolling past all of the foolishness...
Things to do in Christchurch City: Botanic Gardens, "new" Art Museum, Canterbury Museum, Mona Vale, Arts Centre (high quality theatre as well as the studios), there's a Farmers/Craft Market there on weekends. Favorite place to stay in Christchurch for the location and knowledgeable staff: Windsor Hotel. It's an old boarding house now a B&B (and what a breakfast) Very clean, in an excellent location near the museums, and on the tourist tram line. (windsorhotel.co.nz) If it's not for you I would suggest finding another B&B in that location (Armagh Street area) rather than in the Christchurch CBD.
Things to do in Christchurch City: Botanic Gardens, "new" Art Museum, Canterbury Museum, Mona Vale, Arts Centre (high quality theatre as well as the studios), there's a Farmers/Craft Market there on weekends. Favorite place to stay in Christchurch for the location and knowledgeable staff: Windsor Hotel. It's an old boarding house now a B&B (and what a breakfast) Very clean, in an excellent location near the museums, and on the tourist tram line. (windsorhotel.co.nz) If it's not for you I would suggest finding another B&B in that location (Armagh Street area) rather than in the Christchurch CBD.
Sep 30th, 2007, 04:01 PM
#24
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Mnss: I think there are hot air ballooning trips over the Yarra Valley.
There certainly are over the city of Melbourne; I've often watched 4 or 5 drifting over the cityscape in the early morning. Either way, it's a fantastic thing to do.
There certainly are over the city of Melbourne; I've often watched 4 or 5 drifting over the cityscape in the early morning. Either way, it's a fantastic thing to do.
Sep 30th, 2007, 04:39 PM
#25
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LizzF,
Did you even READ what I posted?
It doesn't seem that way - I clearly stated that I use 3 methods of reservations: a wholesaler, inbounder, and working direct with smaller properties and tour operators.
The website I listed is an Australian website and so were the two others I used in trying to find my client's accommodation.
I'm not calling myself a Certified Specialist - that title was bestowed on me by Tourism Australia. YOUR government started the Specialist program (and other countries have tried, unsuccessfully, IMO, to copy it.)
Tourism Australia has worked very hard at developing the program and has put in alot of advertising dollars to make sure it's a success to generate more visitors/revenue to Australia. As you and your sister are both in the industry, I'm surprised you don't know anything about it.
All you have to do is visit the official Australian Tourism website and it's explained. Same thing for New Zealand. And yes, their are "modules" with the program where you can learn more about one specific area, in depth (such as Tasmania).
I've never claimed to know more about Australia than an Aussie, but obviously this is the way you've taken it. Do I know more about Australia than the average American? Yes, I do.
I saw the value of Tourism Australia's program from the very beginning, in 1994. I love Australia, and I've visited many times; both on famil trips and on my own dime. There's a criteria that must be maintained in order to be chosen as a Specialist, and I've completed it and maintained it every year, and I'm proud of it.
I've never listed my website on this forum because that WOULD be advertising.
Stormbird: thank you
Mnss: ignore the bickering and have a wonderful trip! We can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
Did you even READ what I posted?
It doesn't seem that way - I clearly stated that I use 3 methods of reservations: a wholesaler, inbounder, and working direct with smaller properties and tour operators.
The website I listed is an Australian website and so were the two others I used in trying to find my client's accommodation.
I'm not calling myself a Certified Specialist - that title was bestowed on me by Tourism Australia. YOUR government started the Specialist program (and other countries have tried, unsuccessfully, IMO, to copy it.)
Tourism Australia has worked very hard at developing the program and has put in alot of advertising dollars to make sure it's a success to generate more visitors/revenue to Australia. As you and your sister are both in the industry, I'm surprised you don't know anything about it.
All you have to do is visit the official Australian Tourism website and it's explained. Same thing for New Zealand. And yes, their are "modules" with the program where you can learn more about one specific area, in depth (such as Tasmania).
I've never claimed to know more about Australia than an Aussie, but obviously this is the way you've taken it. Do I know more about Australia than the average American? Yes, I do.
I saw the value of Tourism Australia's program from the very beginning, in 1994. I love Australia, and I've visited many times; both on famil trips and on my own dime. There's a criteria that must be maintained in order to be chosen as a Specialist, and I've completed it and maintained it every year, and I'm proud of it.
I've never listed my website on this forum because that WOULD be advertising.
Stormbird: thank you
Mnss: ignore the bickering and have a wonderful trip! We can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
Oct 1st, 2007, 07:57 AM
#26
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How much time do you think I need in LAX before checking-in to SYD?
I was originally booked on a flight that arrives in LAX at 7:39pm, and then my flight on Qantas to SYD is scheduled to leave at 11:45pm, which would give me around four hours to pick up my suitcase and check-in to SYD.
However, I just received an email notice from NWA stating that my flight into LAX has been rescheduled to arrive at 9:39 pm, which would give me roughly two hours between flights. I think that would have been OK had I not had to pick up my suitcase and check-in at a different airline. I'm getting worried because in the winter flights are often delayed because of all the de-icing of runways and all that.
My other option would be to reschedule to another flight that arrives into LAX at 5:30 pm. What would you do?
I was originally booked on a flight that arrives in LAX at 7:39pm, and then my flight on Qantas to SYD is scheduled to leave at 11:45pm, which would give me around four hours to pick up my suitcase and check-in to SYD.
However, I just received an email notice from NWA stating that my flight into LAX has been rescheduled to arrive at 9:39 pm, which would give me roughly two hours between flights. I think that would have been OK had I not had to pick up my suitcase and check-in at a different airline. I'm getting worried because in the winter flights are often delayed because of all the de-icing of runways and all that.
My other option would be to reschedule to another flight that arrives into LAX at 5:30 pm. What would you do?
Oct 1st, 2007, 08:38 AM
#27
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mnss: I would try to book the earlier flight into LAX, just to be on the safe side. When I flew from LAX to Syd, we got to the airport very early but the check-in line was looong and it took for. ever. If your flight is even 30 minutes late, it could be very tight.
In Wellington, I enjoyed the Chocolate Fish Cafe and the Wrights Hill scenic area, which is a great place to take beautiful photos of Wellington and the harbor.
In Wellington, I enjoyed the Chocolate Fish Cafe and the Wrights Hill scenic area, which is a great place to take beautiful photos of Wellington and the harbor.
Oct 1st, 2007, 05:15 PM
#28
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Hi Mnss,
You have good reason to be concerned - LAX is just a nightmare (SFO is much better, but as your original flights were into LAX, I doubt NWA would be flexible enough to change that - although it never hurts to ask since the schedule change was on their end).
It's worth a shot - ask for a supervisor and explain your problem and hope for someone who's sympathetic. They may want to charge a change fee, but you'll have to decide if it's worth it to you.
As you say, since you're not on an airline with an interline agreement with Qantas, who would check your baggage straight through, you'd have to grab your bags, hustle out to the island at LAX, get the shuttle to the International terminal and check in at Qantas.
No one wants to check in THAT early for a flight, but your alternative is to spend hang-wringing, stomach churning moments at the airport wondering if you'll make your international flight. You don't want to begin your trip like that!
One alternative is to pack smart and take your bag onboard your NW flight, but even then you could still have anxious moments, especially, as you say, it's winter and there could be delays.
As agents we're instructed to tell clients to be at the airport
3 hours prior to a flight, so I'd have to say I'd err on the side of caution and take the earlier flight.
One positive note is that there's really good "people watching" at LAX - oh, the outfits you'll see! And who knows, maybe even a celebrity or two!
Hope this is helpful.
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
You have good reason to be concerned - LAX is just a nightmare (SFO is much better, but as your original flights were into LAX, I doubt NWA would be flexible enough to change that - although it never hurts to ask since the schedule change was on their end).
It's worth a shot - ask for a supervisor and explain your problem and hope for someone who's sympathetic. They may want to charge a change fee, but you'll have to decide if it's worth it to you.
As you say, since you're not on an airline with an interline agreement with Qantas, who would check your baggage straight through, you'd have to grab your bags, hustle out to the island at LAX, get the shuttle to the International terminal and check in at Qantas.
No one wants to check in THAT early for a flight, but your alternative is to spend hang-wringing, stomach churning moments at the airport wondering if you'll make your international flight. You don't want to begin your trip like that!
One alternative is to pack smart and take your bag onboard your NW flight, but even then you could still have anxious moments, especially, as you say, it's winter and there could be delays.
As agents we're instructed to tell clients to be at the airport
3 hours prior to a flight, so I'd have to say I'd err on the side of caution and take the earlier flight.
One positive note is that there's really good "people watching" at LAX - oh, the outfits you'll see!
And who knows, maybe even a celebrity or two!Hope this is helpful.
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
Oct 1st, 2007, 07:01 PM
#29
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I just called NWA and had them reschedule my flight to the earlier one. I'm certainly willing to wait at LAX for 6 hours if the alternative were MISSING MY VERY FIRST FLIGHT TO SYDNEY 
Do you think I need to book my day trip transporation well in advance?
I also wonder whether I should take the train independently or book a day trip with a bus company? the advantage of taking the bus to the blue mountains seems to be that they also stop at other local "attractions" along the way such as wild life parks.
Do you think I need to book my day trip transporation well in advance?
I also wonder whether I should take the train independently or book a day trip with a bus company? the advantage of taking the bus to the blue mountains seems to be that they also stop at other local "attractions" along the way such as wild life parks.
Oct 2nd, 2007, 03:04 AM
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The very first time I went to the Blue Mts I took the train. You then have to get yourself from the stn to where the action is - 3 sisters, skyway, giants steps down into the valley - whatever it is you want to do. You can walk there from the stn in 30-40 mins and I believe there is a hop on hop off bus too. But you might have to wait for it.
I you take an early train then you have the freedom to do as you please. And if what you want to do is a good long walk then that's the way to go.
On the other hand, if you just want a "taster" then an organised trip removes the hard work!!
And it can be fun to travel with a bunch of strangers for a day. I've never done any of them, but there are loads of day trips to choose from. So many that I doubt it would be a problem to book just the day before.
If where you are staying doesn't have a lot of info - go down to the Sydney Visitor Centre in the Rocks (Argyll St) where there is an extensive selection of brochures.
I you take an early train then you have the freedom to do as you please. And if what you want to do is a good long walk then that's the way to go.
On the other hand, if you just want a "taster" then an organised trip removes the hard work!!
And it can be fun to travel with a bunch of strangers for a day. I've never done any of them, but there are loads of day trips to choose from. So many that I doubt it would be a problem to book just the day before.
If where you are staying doesn't have a lot of info - go down to the Sydney Visitor Centre in the Rocks (Argyll St) where there is an extensive selection of brochures.
Oct 2nd, 2007, 03:49 PM
#32
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Liz, I wouldn't want you to think that my silence of recent days means that I've taken your advice to, as you so elegantly put it, bag my head. As always, I will resist the temptation to reply in kind.
As for Melodie's "advertising", I believe she gets all the business she can handle from local word-of-mouth referrals. I think fair-minded Fodorites take her sign-off as no more than an indication that she's professionally qualified to provide the advice she dispenses here. It may have escaped your attention, but to my knowledge she has never mentioned her business name in any of her posts.
As for Melodie's "advertising", I believe she gets all the business she can handle from local word-of-mouth referrals. I think fair-minded Fodorites take her sign-off as no more than an indication that she's professionally qualified to provide the advice she dispenses here. It may have escaped your attention, but to my knowledge she has never mentioned her business name in any of her posts.
Oct 8th, 2007, 12:48 PM
#33
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I thought I'd use my brain for a change (after all, I am a chemical engineer) and decided to allocate 4 days to Port Douglas. After seeing some amazing pictures of the Rainforest in Northern Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, I thought I definitely had to see them for myself.
So, I would spend a day on the beach, one day at the Rainforest, one day snorkeling at the GBR, then the fourth day I could visit Atherton Tablelands.
I think Atherton Tablelands is located on the other side of Cairns thought, so I wonder if it's really worth all the trouble of getting there, especially since I'll be spending a day the Rainforest already.
That does sound better than spending four days in Melbourne, doesn't it?
But that means I would be spending only three days in Sydney, including the one day trip to Blue Mountains.
I would have to spend one night in Melbourne though, as my flight to NZ is scheduled to leave from there early in the morning.
So, I would spend a day on the beach, one day at the Rainforest, one day snorkeling at the GBR, then the fourth day I could visit Atherton Tablelands.
I think Atherton Tablelands is located on the other side of Cairns thought, so I wonder if it's really worth all the trouble of getting there, especially since I'll be spending a day the Rainforest already.
That does sound better than spending four days in Melbourne, doesn't it?
But that means I would be spending only three days in Sydney, including the one day trip to Blue Mountains.
I would have to spend one night in Melbourne though, as my flight to NZ is scheduled to leave from there early in the morning.
Oct 8th, 2007, 02:55 PM
#34
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Hello Mnss
Ive just arrived back in NZ having spent one glorious week in Port Douglas. Its a really super place. Must admit the family found it difficult adjusting to the heat. Temp 30 and humidity 30%. Spent a great deal of time lolling near water. Apparently the humidity goes up to 90 % in the summer and swimming in the ocean is out - "Marine Stingers."
We hired a car for the day. Zoomed down to Cairns and went on the Skyrail to Kuranda village. I would certainly recommend this.
We then backtracked to the Daintree Nat. Pk. Good walking tracks here. The kids were very tired so we could only go on a short walk. It was a full on day but most enjoyable.
We had booked to go on a trip to the GBR sadly we had to cancel due to rough seas. We'll be back though.
Wellington is a very lovely city and is a pedestrians dream. My favourite NZ city.
Ive just arrived back in NZ having spent one glorious week in Port Douglas. Its a really super place. Must admit the family found it difficult adjusting to the heat. Temp 30 and humidity 30%. Spent a great deal of time lolling near water. Apparently the humidity goes up to 90 % in the summer and swimming in the ocean is out - "Marine Stingers."
We hired a car for the day. Zoomed down to Cairns and went on the Skyrail to Kuranda village. I would certainly recommend this.
We then backtracked to the Daintree Nat. Pk. Good walking tracks here. The kids were very tired so we could only go on a short walk. It was a full on day but most enjoyable.
We had booked to go on a trip to the GBR sadly we had to cancel due to rough seas. We'll be back though.
Wellington is a very lovely city and is a pedestrians dream. My favourite NZ city.
Oct 8th, 2007, 04:54 PM
#35
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Thanks Heathy, that sounds great!
I just booked a tour that starts with a hot air balloon ride over Daintree, after which we'll be taking the scenic train ride and then later in the day the sky cable way.
I do realize that summers can be really hot and humid in that region, but what can I do. I'd rather be there than back home where it could be snowing for days non-stop!
Nine weeks to go- can't wait.
I just booked a tour that starts with a hot air balloon ride over Daintree, after which we'll be taking the scenic train ride and then later in the day the sky cable way.
I do realize that summers can be really hot and humid in that region, but what can I do. I'd rather be there than back home where it could be snowing for days non-stop!
Nine weeks to go- can't wait.
Oct 10th, 2007, 03:26 PM
#36
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Hi again, mnss,
The Cairns / Atherton area is a firm favourite of mine, and yet I didn't realise you could go ballooning over the Daintree! Enjoy what you have planned - you will certainly cover some really interesting places that will help to whet your appetite to return to this part of the world.
When travelling on the ferry from Picton to Wellington watch out for dolphins - we have seen them often on our journeys, especially around late afternoon / early evening. I hope you will enjoy Wellington as much as Heathy and I do.
The Cairns / Atherton area is a firm favourite of mine, and yet I didn't realise you could go ballooning over the Daintree! Enjoy what you have planned - you will certainly cover some really interesting places that will help to whet your appetite to return to this part of the world.
When travelling on the ferry from Picton to Wellington watch out for dolphins - we have seen them often on our journeys, especially around late afternoon / early evening. I hope you will enjoy Wellington as much as Heathy and I do.
Oct 12th, 2007, 06:59 PM
#37
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Thank you Dotty I'll watch out for those kiwi dolphins!
I was having trouble booking a snorkeling trip on Christmas day, as all the major companies don't operate on Dec 25. But I finally found a small company that runs a short trip with less stops -two instead of their usual three- and costs 100 AUD extra. I don't know if I have any other options though.
I'll watch out for those kiwi dolphins!I was having trouble booking a snorkeling trip on Christmas day, as all the major companies don't operate on Dec 25. But I finally found a small company that runs a short trip with less stops -two instead of their usual three- and costs 100 AUD extra. I don't know if I have any other options though.
