I am excited to announce that I’ve completed Tourism Australia’s “Aussie Specialist” course. With two trips to Australia under my belt and a third one on the way (12 days!), I knew that it was time to really invest in my knowledge of Australia. I would recommend the program to any agent looking to gain access to amazing resources and in depth information about each region of Australia.

But now…on to the fun part! My next trip to Australia is less than two weeks away and I could not be more excited. We will be traveling through Melbourne, Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and the Red Centre. The latter two destinations will be brand new for me and I am eager to stay at one of our incredible partner resorts in the Blue Moutains, Wolgan Valley, and visit to Uluru in the Northern Territory, one of the most famous landmarks in the country and a sacred part of aboriginal culture. Melbourne and Sydney are also very close to my heart so it will be very special to see them again. I will always remember spending Christmas on the Mornington Peninsula with my good friends, the Wickenden’s. And of course I have to mention my week long surprise vacation in Sydney as I desperately tried to make a Delta flight going stand by with Annette Wickenden (aka the most passionate and adventurous flight attendant that has ever lived). Since a third of that Sydney trip was spent at in the airport, Claire Wickenden and I took a trip back to Sydney the next year and went north to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Needless to say, I have been lucky to have many great memories made in Australia so far and I have a feeling that my next trip will be no exception. A huge thanks to Edyta with Travel2 for inviting me on this trip. I cannot wait to explore these destinations and hotels for my clients!

If you are interested in planning an Australia trip of your own please contact me to get started!

I cannot believe that this time last year I was on the other side of the world checking off my number one bucket list destination. Looking back on my trip to Bora Bora almost feels like a dream. I stayed at the Four Seasons Resort and visited a few surrounding properties as well. To say that the Four Seasons was phenomenal would be an understatement. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it would be like to live inside of a screen saver then you need to go here immediately. Whether you are planning a romantic honeymoon or an activity filled family vacation – the FS has great options. In honor of my one year anniversary of this special trip I wanted to share some photos with you. Please contact me if you are interested in planning a trip of your own!

The whole group of agents. Couldn’t of asked for a better group of girls to experience this amazing destination with!

Relaxing on the outdoor patio of the spa before getting our treatments!

Brides – take note! The wedding chapel on property is absolutely gorgeous. I know where my future wedding will be one day! :)

The outside of an overwater bungalow.

Photos of the interior of my own personal Overwater Bungalow! Can I just move there?!?

Adorable honeymooners enjoying dinner with a view of Mt. Otemanu.

The famous lagoon. You can swim, kayak, paddle board and do some amazing snorkeling here.

Or you could just relax by the pool…

The resort has EXCELLENT dining options. The food is amazing and they had no problem catering to particular diets like mine. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, diary free, etc…you name it and they will take care of it like it’s no big deal.

Just enjoying my solo honeymoon from the patio of my bungalow.

It was really hard to say goodbye to the FS Bora Bora but just as we boarded the boat for the airport this double rainbow appeared over the resort. I took it as a sign that I would return there again…twice! :)

For more photos click here…

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.264928947026293.1073741834.230040373848484&type=3

Also, check out my review of the Four Seasons Bora Bora that was published on the Smartflyer website…

TYPE: Secluded island resort.

ROOMS: Guests can choose to stay in Beach Villas or Overwater Bungalows, both of which are incredibly spacious and private. The rooms have a traditional Tahitian flair with wooden floors, thatched roofs, hints of color, and large soaking tubs. In the bungalows, pairs of sliding glass doors open onto patios where you can lounge, dine, or jump right into the ocean for an afternoon swim. Some even feature private plunge pools!

POOL/GYM: There is a fantastic gym with a steam room and yoga platform, as well as a beachside infinity pool with cabanas, where Four Seasons attendants provide you with ice water and chilled towels.

RESTAURANT: Each of the four onsite restaurants was delicious. The food presentation at Arii Moana was an art! Each restaurant does a flawless job of catering to specific dietary requirements. The breakfast buffet at Tere Nui (included in rate) was a great way to start the day off right.

BAR: Head to Sunset Bar for freshly prepared sushi, tasty cocktails, and stunning sunset views
VIBE: Tropical, romantic, carefree luxury.

SPA: The holistic spa is a destination in and of itself. Their relaxation lounges feature steam rooms, outdoor pools, and sensory showers, as well as a full menu of standard and signature treatments. The use of natural and local ingredients, like monoi and vanilla, make for excellent, relaxing treatments. The Polynesian massage was a personal favorite!

WIFI: Available throughout, for a fee.

KIDS: Absolutely! Despite what many people think when imagining Bora Bora, there are tons of great options for families. Connecting overwater bungalows and beach villas are perfect for families. There’s even a kids club and teen center on site.

LOCATION: Bora Bora’s Motu Tehotu, one of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia. A forty-five minute flight from Papeete International Airport (PPT) is followed by a fifteen-minute boat transfer to the resort.

– A FEW THINGS –

The culture in French Polynesia definitely sets it apart from other island destinations. Visiting Bora Bora is a completely unique experience that cannot be replicated in the Caribbean or other islands closer to the United States. Many people are shocked to find that it is only two hours further away from Los Angeles than Hawaii, a journey of about eight hours.

I think it is important to note the impeccable service that is provided at the Four Seasons Bora Bora. The Tahitian people are constantly smiling and laughing. They are proud of their home and truly want to share it with visitors. The employees at the hotel pick up on tiny personal details, such as what you order to drink at breakfast, and remember it each day, making you feel like a close friend rather than a guest at a hotel. Although this hotel is located in one of the most stunning settings on earth, the service and attention to detail are really what take it to a whole new level of luxury.

SMARTFLYER EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES:

Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom,
served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
Spa credit of USD100 once during stay (not applicable to products)
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
4pm late check-out based on availability and guaranteed 4pm late check-out on all overwater suites and villas for reservations of 7 or more nights
Complimentary high-speed Internet access for all suite bookings

http://www.smartflyer.com/fsborabora

The first official day of Travel Week was a whirlwind. My roommates and I got up super early and went downstairs to eat breakfast. My first day of meetings focused mostly on African travel. I learned about luxurious safari lodges and the best itineraries for both first timers and seasoned Africa travelers.  Safaris are getting really popular with both couples and families, especially multigenerational families looking for a little adventure.  Here are a few of my favorite African Travel products.
Mateya Safari Lodge – has five luxurious thatched suites with air conditioning, and is well known for its delicious meals including only the finest home-grown ingredients. Your open-air suite is the perfect place to star gaze as you sit by the fireplace.

Wilderness Safari’s – a luxury ecotourism on site company operating camps in Kenya, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to name a few.  They have done great things for the local communities and protections of African wildlife (like this cute elephant below) and will be there with you on your journey to make sure that everything runs smoothly.

Mala Mala Game Reserve – The perfect place for game viewing and the location of many wildlife documentaries produced by National Geographic.  There is a 99% chance that guests will spot a leopard while staying here.

Singita – Family owned and located on the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Singita means “place of miracles”…. and it definitely lives up to its name if your idea of a miracle is excellent African game viewing, luxurious accommodations, and wonderful hospitality and service.

Molari Safari Lodge – A private and relaxing lodge with an exceptional culinary and spa experience, and of course, an abundance of wildlife!

Micato Safari’s – A safari tour company that pays for the education of a child for every safari taken.

Interested in taking a safari? Contact me and lets get to planning!