australia and new zealand

[fishing81]

has anybody used a company called journeys of distinction which advertises on the back of the daily mail supplement,we are looking for a all in trip to oz and new zealand

[Snowy Owl]

Not used them, but have a friend who works for them as a courier/tour manager and from what she has said, I would be very happy to travel with them. They are not the cheapest all-in tours available for that region, but if money is not a major consideration, then I`d certainly look in to it further. I should add that she has worked for another major well known tour company for over 25 years, so she has plenty of experience, especially in that region.

[fishing81]

thanks for that snowy owl much appreciated fishing81

[thedelbwa]

Personally, and I do appreciate everyone's different here, I would sort it out myself. Do plenty of research - and there are good sites out there, this one for example, Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum - and use the money saved to good use, extra activities, nice hotel here and there.

Oz and NZ are relatively easy to travel to and around on your own steam, no language barriers. Like I say, research loads, ask as many questions as you need to on these sites and you should be fine. The Kiwis in particular are such nice people that any problems you do have, they will be more than happy to help you with.

Doing it this way, would give you more sense of freedom to do what you want, when you want and give you the opportunity to go off on a whim, should you see / find something different / not on the agenda that you want to do. Plus, it gives you more flexibility on choice of hotel / accommodation...eg. nice little cottages in middle of nowehere in NZ.....poss preferable to being 'herded' about to 3* / 4* hotels in a large group.

That's my opinion anyway. Good luck with whatever you choose. They're both great places.

[fishing81]

thanks for the input thedelbwa nice to hear different opinions

[Waaii]

I would recommend STA travel. They will organise all your travel, stopovers, accomodation, car or camper-van and trips and tours in a package made just for you. They are far cheaper and more informed having done all the trips (almost) thenselves. Have a chat over a cuppa!
They have the advice and the books and we got some too.
We are off on Monday to NZ and Oz, all sorted
WE know where we will be in an outline way which allows for freedom and our families will not worry and we can keep in touch via the STA travel log and the internet, leave pictures, messages etc. We even get a phone card.
And NO we are not students!!! (I wish)

[fishing81]

thanks for the info waaii