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Sharon Wood Travel Counsellors

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25.01.2022 Todays Cocktail? Singapore: Singapore Sling One cannot visit Singapore and not visit Raffles to have a cheeky Singapore Sling. So why not pretend you are there tonight?... Ingredients 30 ml Gin 15 ml Cherry brandy 5 ml Cointreau 5 ml Dom Benedictine Dash Angostura bitters 10 ml Grenadine 15 ml lime juice 120 ml pineapple juice Ice cubes Recipe Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Strain into a poco grande glass and serve garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

25.01.2022 Travel to New Zealand - looking like it could start as early as September!! Woohoo! Are you ready for it? If all goes well - next would be the Pacific islands including New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji.

24.01.2022 Ever been to Seattle? I came across this cool link to the Space Needle...check it out!

23.01.2022 Here is a post from our CEO Steve Byrne - Im really pleased for everyone in the Travel Counsellors community that weve been ranked number one travel firm for looking after customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, in a survey by MoneySavingExpert. Notwithstanding the real, human consequences of the pandemic, many people have also had their travel plans and holidays curtailed or cancelled. Therefore weve remained focussed on taking care of our customers, providing personalise...d advice, assurance and support from helping customers to come home as borders closed across the globe, to rearranging their travel plans. Given the scale of what were facing there may always be room for improvement, but were committed to do the right thing by our customers, so we can all look back in years to come with pride on how we responded to the challenges we faced together. Our aim is to support our Travel Counsellor business owners to keep as close to their customers as possible, keeping them up-to-date with expert advice, offering reassurance and forging a personal relationship that means they can anticipate their needs. The most important thing of all is that we are looking after our people and customers during what has been a very worrying time for many, keeping their safety and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

23.01.2022 Enjoy a little Colorado calm...

22.01.2022 GREAT OPPORTUNITY For those that had been thinking about doing a Blue Lagoon Cruise around Fiji. They are offering 70% off their 4 & 7 night cruises.... If youd like more information - let me know and Ill fill you in on all the conditions and their flexibility.

22.01.2022 If youre looking for something new to bake - I came across an awesome recipe from Hilton Double Tree. The Original Hilton Double Tree Choc Chip Cookie!! = YUM! If youd like a copy of the recipe - drop a request in the comments below.... Then when youve baked them, Id love to see them!! So take a photo and put it in the comments. And Ill do the same. Have a great day xo

22.01.2022 Whos up for some epic sand dune adventures in Newcastle?

22.01.2022 Whether youre wanting to indulge in your passion or looking to learn a new skill, theres plenty of choices to combine your favourite hobby with a beautiful location. Here are our favourite Australian destinations to inspire your creativity and improve your skills: https://bit.ly/30A2L0b

22.01.2022 WHAT TO EXPECT ON DOMESTIC FLIGHTS DURING COVID-19 While the COVID-19 lockdowns continue, most of us are staying home and are not travelling. But some people still need to travel for work or compassionate reasons, which is why the federal government is subsidising domestic flights for the next two months. Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and some regional airlines, including Regional Express and Airnorth, continue to operate limited scheduled domestic flights around Australi...a. But its not quite business as usual. Airport lounges are closed, in-flight meals are not being served, there is no in-flight entertainment and strict social distancing rules apply at the airport and on board. Some states and territories have also effectively closed their borders. If youre flying interstate, you may be required to complete a form and go into quarantine for 14 days after arrival. So, what exactly can you expect if you are travelling on a domestic flight in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic? Middle seats blocked for social distancing Qantas, Virgin Australia are among the airlines that have blocked all middle seats in Economy class to allow for social distancing on board. This generally also means blocking aisle seats in Business class, so that nobody is sitting directly beside another passenger. Regional Express is also attempting to apply social distancing on its flights, in addition to temperature testing at check-in. Although this is not required under any existing regulation, Rex endeavours to space out the seating allocation of all passengers to facilitate social distancing. Unrelated parties will not be assigned seats next to each other where possible, Regional Express National Airports Manager David Brooksby said. In the short term, this is somewhat good news for passengers as it means extra personal space on board. Besides, nobody really likes sitting in the middle seat anyway! But in the medium to long term, if airlines are forced not to sell a third of the available seats on each flight, this will lead to a sharp rise in airfares and an end to the low-cost carrier business model that relies on high load factors. Reference - This is an article taken from Australian Frequent Flyer.

21.01.2022 Where in the World? This waterfall is in the most visited natural recreation area in the region where it is (I cant get anymore specific than that, otherwise it would give the location away)! Do you know where in the world this is?

21.01.2022 Travel Counsellors Award TRAVEL Counsellors has been honoured with a Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade, in recognition of its growth in international markets. Its the second time the group has received the accolade, which was also awarded to Travel Counsellors six years ago (TD 02 Sep 2014). Travel Counsellors MD Australia Kaylene Shuttlewood noted that 20% of the companys business was now generated outside the UK, with the award a testament to the hard work, passion and dedication colleagues and business owners across the business have demonstrated over the last 12 months. The Queens Awards this year went to 128 British companies which had demonstrated outstanding achievement in the international trade category, with all winners personally approved by the UK Royal Family.

20.01.2022 Are you wishing you were on a tropical island sipping a Pina Colada right now? Well so am I! Why not recreate that feeling in your own home? This week I have curated a list of cocktails from around the world so you can sit back, relax and pretend you are off exploring the world. United Kingdom: Pimms... Ingredients 180mL Pimms No 1 Aperitif 700mL Strawberries, Cucumber slices, and Orange wedges to garnish Lemonade Ginger Ale Recipe Fill a jug with ice, halved Strawberries, Cucumber slices, and Orange wedges. Pour in 180mL of Pimms No 1 Aperitif. Fill the jug 3/4 of the way with equal parts Lemonade and Ginger Ale. Fill to the top with more Ginger Ale. Stir and enjoy!

19.01.2022 TASSIE TRAVEL BUBBLE PLAN... TASMANIAN Premier Peter Gutwein has announced plans to implement safe travel bubbles with South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, effective from 07 Aug. Additional safety measures will be implemented at the states sea and air ports, including a mandatory health check for every passenger and requirements for arrivals to detail where they had been in the prior 14 days. ... Refusal to take a test will result in mandatory hotel quarantine or repatriation on the next flight. The trans-Tasman TT-Line ferry will continue to operate under current arrangements, with only passengers who have a Tasmanian address, are an essential traveller or are visitors from WA, SA or the NT. Mandatory testing will also be introduced from 31 Jul for essential workers who have been through a designated hot spot in NSW or are from anywhere in Vic. Also from 31 Jul, where hotel quarantine is required, travellers will be charged $2,800 except in cases of extreme hardship. The Tasmanian Premier promised to provide an update on 7 Aug on possible timeframes and dates to relax restrictions with Qld, NSW and the ACT, based on public health advice and the situation in those states and territories. However to be clear we will not be open to them before the 14th of Aug, he added. Creating safe travel bubbles with states who are in as good a place as Tasmania will no doubt be welcome news as a safe first step for our tourism and hospitality sector, he said. If youre interested in booking with me to Tasmania, send me an email. Stay Safe everyone

18.01.2022 You think you've seen everything...and then you read this!! A VIETNAMESE AIRLINE IS SO CONFIDENT ITS PASSENGERS WILL HAVE A CORONAVIRUS-FREE FLIGHT THAT IT IS OFFERING ANYONE WHO DOES CATCH THE VIRUS WHILE FLYING UP TO $14,000 IN COMPENSATION. The promotion if thats what you can call it is part of Vietjets SKY COVID CARE insurance scheme, and covers all domestic flights between 23 March and 30 June 2020.... Its free to any of the flying public regardless of age and nationality, with coverage ranging from 20,000,000 Vietnamese dong ($1,4078) to a maximum of 200,000,000 dong ($14,078). In a statement announcing the scheme, Vietnamese carrier said: With the insurance, passengers are eligible for insurance coverage and benefits from Vietjet within 30 days starting at 00:01 of the flight date, regardless of how passengers are infected with the disease. However, the airline stresses that anyone who has already been diagnosed with COVID-19 is ineligible and all other passengers must comply with all regulations on disease prevention and control of Vietjet, the Ministry of Health and authorities. A further caveat, passengers with epilepsy, mental illness or suicidal behaviours are also not allowed to take part in the scheme. At the time of writing, Vietnam had 153 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and no recorded deaths due to the virus, according to the countrys health ministry.

18.01.2022 There's no news like snow news! Get excited folks, Hotham is set to open lifts from 24 June for 2020 snow season.

16.01.2022 This says it all really...

16.01.2022 If you're looking for something new to bake - I came across an awesome recipe from Hilton Double Tree. The Original Hilton Double Tree Choc Chip Cookie!! = YUM! If you'd like a copy of the recipe - drop a request in the comments below.... Then when you've baked them, I'd love to see them!! So take a photo and put it in the comments. And I'll do the same. Have a great day xo

15.01.2022 You think youve seen everything...and then you read this!! A VIETNAMESE AIRLINE IS SO CONFIDENT ITS PASSENGERS WILL HAVE A CORONAVIRUS-FREE FLIGHT THAT IT IS OFFERING ANYONE WHO DOES CATCH THE VIRUS WHILE FLYING UP TO $14,000 IN COMPENSATION. The promotion if thats what you can call it is part of Vietjets SKY COVID CARE insurance scheme, and covers all domestic flights between 23 March and 30 June 2020.... Its free to any of the flying public regardless of age and nationality, with coverage ranging from 20,000,000 Vietnamese dong ($1,4078) to a maximum of 200,000,000 dong ($14,078). In a statement announcing the scheme, Vietnamese carrier said: With the insurance, passengers are eligible for insurance coverage and benefits from Vietjet within 30 days starting at 00:01 of the flight date, regardless of how passengers are infected with the disease. However, the airline stresses that anyone who has already been diagnosed with COVID-19 is ineligible and all other passengers must comply with all regulations on disease prevention and control of Vietjet, the Ministry of Health and authorities. A further caveat, passengers with epilepsy, mental illness or suicidal behaviours are also not allowed to take part in the scheme. At the time of writing, Vietnam had 153 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and no recorded deaths due to the virus, according to the countrys health ministry.

15.01.2022 TASMAN BUBBLE DELAYED The current outbreak of COVID-19 in Vic has kyboshed plans for trial flights between Canberra and Wellington, which will now not proceed until after the upcoming New Zealand election planned for 19 Sep.

15.01.2022 TRADITIONAL CUISINE IN NORWAY Have you ever wondered what type of cuisine to expect when travelling to Norway? Heres a brief overview:... SEAFOOD Fish makes up much of Norwegian cuisine. This probably comes as no surprise - after all, youre never far from the ocean in the Land of the Midnight Sun. If youre a fan of fish, youre certain to find something delicious during your visit. The great thing about having fish in Norway is that its guaranteed to be fresh. MEAT Adventurous carnivores will leap at the chance to try reindeer and elk, both of which are fairly easy to find in Norway. In fact, reindeer is among the dishes regularly referenced as one of Norways local delicacies. Lamb is also frequently included in Norwegian cuisine. Frikal, a dish made up of boiled mutton and cabbage served with boiled potatoes, is very popular in the country and has been voted the national dish twice. VEGETARIAN & VEGAN If you dont eat meat or fish, youre likely to have limited options if you head outside the biggest cities in Norway, where youll probably need to supplement your diet with food from local supermarkets. However, both vegetarian and vegan food is increasing in popularity. DELICIOUS DESSERTS You wont want to miss dessert. Indulge in a sweet milk dish called gomme or rmmegrt, which is a sour cream porridge. Follow that with layer cake stuffed with whipped cream and jam and then pick between the pyramid of almond macaroon rings or iron-shaped cookies rolled into cones in classic Norwegian fashion. BEVERAGES The average Norwegian consumes 40 gallons (160 quarts) of milk annually. If you swing by a market, chances are theyll find milk cartons from the two dairy companies, Tine melk and Q melk. For other beverages, opt for the 4.5 percent Norwegian beer or "blande," a cheap drink made from water and soured whey. Aquavit, or akvavit, is Norways famous liquor export, made from potatoes flavored with caraway. Looking for something fancy? The Vinmonopolet (The Wine Monopoly) is the countrys special shops for imported wine and liquor.

14.01.2022 For those of you wishing you were in Spain right now! Spain: Sangria Experience the passion of Spain with this hearty Sangria recipe.... Ingredients 4 oranges 2 lemons 1 apple, unpeeled, core removed, diced 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon 1/4 cup brandy 750ml bottle red wine 1/4 cup caster sugar 750ml bottle soft drink (lemonade, soda water or ginger ale) Recipe Thinly slice 1 orange and 1 lemon. Cut each slice into small wedges and place in a large bowl. Add apple, cinnamon and brandy. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Juice remaining oranges and lemon. Combine 1 1/2 cups wine, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 1 1/2 cups soft drink, 1/4 cup orange juice and 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice in a jug. Add half the apple mixture. Stir to combine. Repeat with remaining ingredients in another jug. Spoon crushed ice into 8 tall glasses. Pour over sangria. Serve.

14.01.2022 I love High Tea. Dont you? Here is a recipe I am definitely going to try - From the Kitchen of Cunard - The Classic Cunard Scone Recipe. Yum! Click on the photo which should link you to their website & recipe.... If you get a chance to make them - let me know what you think.

13.01.2022 Please be patient with me during these times, as I have not forgotten any of you (my clients) and I am working through the most urgent of bookings in departure date order. Even if you havent booked with me, I am here to help you as best I can. I will be in touch asap.... Take care xo

13.01.2022 From the lavishly decorated Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel to St Peters Basilica, Vatican City is home to a treasure trove of priceless art and centuries of history. If youre anything like me, then theres nothing better than spending your day researching new trips to take in the future! I hope my posts inspire you to add a destination or two to your travel bucket list.

12.01.2022 Boy its cold this morning!! Here's a little "Line Dancing Lesson" to keep you warm.

11.01.2022 LOOKING BACK... Where was your favourite trip? Mine was Canada - I absolutely loved it! Came home thinking of ways we could move there!!

10.01.2022 Lets go to the Caribbean and enjoy island life with this Pina Colada recipe! Puerto Rico: Pina Colada Ingredients... 60ml Buckeye Silver Caribbean Rum 700mL 90ml pineapple juice 30ml coconut cream Ice cubes Coconut & pineapple leaves to garnish Recipe Add white rum, pineapple juice & coconut cream into a cocktail shaker Add ice and shake Strain into a highball glass Garnish with coconut & pineapple leaves

09.01.2022 DOMESTIC TRAVEL It is great that we are starting to hear talk from both the Australian Government and Qantas boss Alan Joyce about starting up Domestic Travel once again. This is exciting news for all of us, plus it will be fantastic for Australian Tourism. We have so many wonderful destinations in Australia to holiday - personally I cant wait to get out there!... Amongst my favourites are Hamilton Island, Broome, Kakadu, Tasmania, or heading to the snow! Where would you like to go? ************************************************** Here is an article from Alan Joyce that was released yesterday with regards to Qantas and what domestic flights will look like when they start up again. QANTAS CEO ALAN JOYCE HAS BEEN LYING LOW AMID THE KERFUFFLE OVER RIVAL VIRGIN AUSTRALIAS FUTURE. However, the aviation maestro from Ireland recently took to LinkedIn to share his thoughts on what Australias travel sector will look like by the time people start flying again. Life will be different as we come out of this crisis. Recovering from the economic impacts will take time for most companies and individuals, he wrote. But if this period of isolation has taught us nothing else, its how much we value seeing people and places. And thats why aviation will remain so important. A recent survey of our frequent flyers showed around 85 per cent are keen to travel again once theyre able to. I know our people cant wait to welcome them back on board when the time is right. Joyce said that while theres a lot we dont know, particularly around timing, he outlined three things I think we can be pretty certain of. Here they are, in his own words: 1. It will be competitive The Australian domestic market has huge potential. And for that reason, this is never going to be a one airline town or it wouldnt be one for long. Stiff competition has made Qantas better over the years and we dont want that to stop now. And, frankly, the regulatory pressures on entrenched monopolies tend to make them unattractive. 2. There will be lots of low fares Airlines will be keen to stimulate travel demand to get their people and aircraft back to work and restart their cashflow pipelines, repairing the damage done by the devastating and sudden drop in revenue. Thats good news for consumers because it means plenty of good deals. 3. Domestic travel will start well before international Australia has done a remarkable job of flattening the curve and cutting coronavirus infection rates. We have to be careful not to take the brakes off too early, but restrictions on domestic travel are likely to lift well before international travel. Thats great news for our local tourism industry, with more people holidaying in Australia to start with.

09.01.2022 As if sitting down for a coffee in a Parisian café, on a beautiful cobbled street isnt dreamy enough, now locals are enjoying the comfort of giant teddy bears, with the goal to make social distancing a little more enjoyable.

08.01.2022 I love High Tea. Don't you? Here is a recipe I am definitely going to try - From the Kitchen of Cunard - The Classic Cunard Scone Recipe. Yum! Click on the photo which should link you to their website & recipe.... If you get a chance to make them - let me know what you think.

08.01.2022 Booking with Travel Counsellors delivers the peace of mind that your every requirement will be met, no matter what. We prioritise trust and make it our business to ensure it sits at the centre of everything we do.

08.01.2022 AMALFI COAST - Home of Limoncello ohh the Amalfi Coast is another favourite of mine! I will definitely be back as soon as I can. Im off to make this...let me know how yours goes...... https://www.youtube.com/watch

07.01.2022 As if sitting down for a coffee in a Parisian caf, on a beautiful cobbled street isnt dreamy enough, now locals are enjoying the comfort of giant teddy bears, with the goal to make social distancing a little more enjoyable.

06.01.2022 Imagine exploring the planets most remote continent with its unspoilt, awe-inspiring scenery and incredible wildlife encounters what an expedition that would make! I love helping my clients embark on new and unique experiences. You may not be ready to book a holiday right now, but where is somewhere youve always wanted to go?

05.01.2022 Theres no news like snow news! Get excited folks, Hotham is set to open lifts from 24 June for 2020 snow season.

04.01.2022 Trans-Tasman bubble now ‘a long way off’: NZ PM hopes of travel abroad in the near future have been dashed with Victoria’s spike of coronavirus. Once considered a possibility by Spring, a Trans-Tasman travel bubble is now a long way off, according to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. ... 28 days straight free of Coronavirus community transmission cases is what is required before the Trans-Tasman travel bubble can be considered. We know, of course, how much work it takes to get to that position and then to maintain it for a sustained period of time, the PM stated. If you have plans to travel to New Zealand make sure you have flexible and refundable options.

04.01.2022 Travel to Italy and imagine you are sitting on your balcony overlooking the Amalfi Coast with this Aperol Spritz recipe. Aperol Spritz: Italy Ingredients... 90ml Prosecco 60ml Aperol Aperitivo Soda water Orange wedge to garnish Recipe Fill wineglass with ice Add Aperol and Prosecco. Top with soda water Garnish with a wedge of orange. Enjoy :)

03.01.2022 I call nature my second home

03.01.2022 Boy its cold this morning!! Heres a little "Line Dancing Lesson" to keep you warm.

03.01.2022 Today's Cocktail? Singapore: Singapore Sling One cannot visit Singapore and not visit Raffles to have a cheeky Singapore Sling. So why not pretend you are there tonight?... Ingredients 30 ml Gin 15 ml Cherry brandy 5 ml Cointreau 5 ml Dom Benedictine Dash Angostura bitters 10 ml Grenadine 15 ml lime juice 120 ml pineapple juice Ice cubes Recipe Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Strain into a poco grande glass and serve garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

03.01.2022 WALKING HOLIDAYS With Domestic Travel opening up around Australia in the near future and the "travel bubble" between Australia and New Zealand following suit - what can you do that is different? What can you do that will give you an amazing experience of a lifetime!... Ever thought of doing a walking holiday in Australia or New Zealand? Some fantastic tours are being put together with well known Australian Tour Operators. Let me know if youre interested so we can discuss it further.

01.01.2022 As you would guess Travel is one of my favourite things. But all I can do right now is dream of destinations I want to go to. One tool that helps me through is watching Travel Movies. What escapism from this isolation?!! Mine is The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. There are many others... What is yours?... If you need some inspiration and would like to watch a Travel Movie...here are some ideas for you... Away We Go: An unmarried couple in their thirties who go on a road trip around the U.S. and Canada to find the perfect place to live. Cities visited are Denver, Phoenix, Tucson, Madison, Montreal, and Miami. Stars Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (pictured): British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than advertised, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways. Stars Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith. The Bucket List: Two cancer patients with little in common both need to make peace with the lives theyve lived, as well follow up on the things they always wanted to do before they die. These adventures take them all over the world including Egypt, Africa, China and the Himalayas. Stars Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. The Darjeeling Limited: When their father passes away, three brothers come together for a trip across India. Stars Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman. Eat Pray Love: A career woman with a perfect life that goes sour journeys to Italy, India and Bali, where she discovers those parts of the world and herself as well. Stars Julia Roberts. Europtrip: Dumped by his girlfriend, a high school grad decides to embark on an overseas adventure in Europe with his friends. The cities covered are London, Paris, and Berlin and Matt Damon has a supporting role. Into The Wild: Based on the 1996 book by Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild recounts the story of a college graduate from the suburbs, who turns his back on society and material possessions and sets off to the wilderness of Alaska. Stars Emile Hirsch. Lost in Translation: In Tokyo, an old movie actor meets a recently married woman who is uncertain about her life. Stars Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson.