YOUR TRAVEL
Man-oh-man I need a holiday
“Already?” you say. “We’re only halfway through February - you’ve just enjoyed a Christmas break and it’s time for another?” Holidays are infectious. When I sit here at my desk doing the final checks that all contact details are in the flight bookings, that there have been no last-minute schedule changes, that the ship suite or stateroom documentation matches my booking records, and all those other details that are of major importance, I just want to pack my bag and go away again. Somewhere. Anywhere. My current bucket list has cold climes relegated to the top. And it seems I am not alone. Those images of ice and snow are captivating, particularly in a humid Sydney summer. My inbox is a daily repository of seductive offers for the Arctic and the Antarctic. What is fuelling this growth? Personally, I believe it has to do with a latent focus on the natural environment, which is gaining increased prominence thanks to conversations around climate change. People are keen to get out there and visit Greenland and the North Pole before there is irreversible change. Some of that change has also opened up routes once only available to scientific exploration eg. the Northwest Passage. And now thanks to an improved airstrip at Antarctica, you can forego the supposed horrors of the Drake Passage crossing and fly to and from for your cruise. Another reason is the explosion in small ships and exploration vessels purposely designed to go where most vessels just cannot go. Small is the new fashion - and understandably so. Small cruising means you can get up close, exploring those sheltered coves, the inlets where bird and marine life is abundant due to their remoteness, the islands that remain off the grid unless you are one of the lucky few who have the time and money to invest in this kind of travel.
I recently sailed onboard Ponant’s latest vessel, Le Laperouse, on a 5-day journey across the Tasman. So small that it looked like a luxe tug beside the big ships moored alongside in Sydney harbour, our ship nonetheless traversed this sea beautifully thanks to excellent stabilisers. Such technology continues to improve so that even older ships such as Silver Cloud have been successfully repurposed to provide safe and extremely comfortable remote cruising options. With seasickness pills to hand, you need never fear nausea again! And the really good news? There are currently some terrific fly free, solo travellers and early bird deals. Just for you but don’t linger to buy! I do recognise though that not everyone wants remote. That landlubbers still rule the world when it comes to travel, and here too I continue to be surprised by the wealth of choice. There are tours for every interest be it walking, art, photography, golf, music, trains and more – Trendsetter is actively involved in organising several which appear on this page and I’d urge you to investigate beyond the box. We are also organising a lot of trigenerational family groups to celebrate major milestones. Resort or island stays, destinations guaranteed to provide memorable moments - think Africa, Japan, South America and NZ – are top of mind for many. Truly, travel has never been more attainable, or affordable. The world does seem to have shrunk and I like that technology means I can explore it much more easily. (It’s just a shame that my emails must follow me too!!!) Come in and see how we can turn your bucket list dream into a reality.
Calling all revheads & celebrity diehards Trendsetter is hosting a cruise onboard Silver Spirit in MayJune 2020 that takes in the Monaco Grand Prix (2 days of racing) and Cannes for the Film Festival. Everybody welcome, enquire with Adrienne or see our website www.trendsettertravel.com.au
Painters and photographers will love Pamela Fairburn’s Navigate Nova Scotia tour in October 2019. Perfectly timed for sublime autumnal hues, artists will need lots of warm colours in their palate and photographers will need extra memory sticks for all the spectacular photos. www. pamelafairburnart.com.au
Words by Adrienne Witteman Managing Director Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre 9428 5900 I www.trendsettertravel.com.au
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