6 minute read
Lifestyle
All together now
“No way” I hear some of you say, when I raise the issue of joining a group tour.
Adrienne and David with a group of clients they hosted on a trip through Portugal.
You are just too young/ too independent/ value your own space/ met some people once who were bad enough for one night let alone fourteen... And so it goes on. We are all quite particular about how we like to travel, and group touring (including cruising) can be an alienating proposition.
I’m fixated on this as David and I are currently midway through the second of three group tours/cruises that we are hosting in April/May 2018. In each instance, 90% of the participants have replied to an advertisement and so are unknown to us. There are a few couples who have travelled with us before and are now firm friends – yes that includes you Jenny and Ian from Riverview!
Travelling in a group has so many benefits and is akin to our living with others in the community. We are not born to be hermits and the chance to travel together and enjoy convivial times is an uplifting experience. This kind of travel is also efficient and often more cost-effective than going it alone, particularly if your interest is niche.
On the face of it, group touring would seem to be a lottery, but there is a fine science to both organising the tour, and from the participant’s point of view, maximising your pleasure. Given that most of us will one day participate in some sort of group venture, here are my tips to help ensure you have an enriching journey.
Think carefully about where you want to go and what you
want to experience. If you really want to explore the heart of England in great depth, then a tour with that regional focus will suit you better than a coach tour that spends only 3 of 10 days traversing the country paths. If you hate moving from place to place, then consider a cruise where you unpack only once.
Use your price point as a
discriminator. If you’re a luxury traveller, don’t drop down to budget category because that is all that is left. Ditto if your funds are limited then think carefully about taking that specially priced luxe holiday – it’s not much fun if you can’t afford to participate because extras are too expensive. Ask questions. Who else will be on this tour? Which socio-economic demographic is dominant? You may be quite happy debating gun laws or Medicare with Republican Americans. If you feel more comfortable travelling with an Australian group, then select a great home-grown product such as Bunnik.
Be prepared to compromise
when on tour. You might not realise you’re imperfect, but believe me you are! While there’s insufficient time, usually, to become everyone’s best friend, those who most enjoy themselves are prepared to make sacrifices in favour of the greater group good.
Be prepared to be open and
outgoing. Put quite simply, what is the purpose going away with others if you have dinner and retire to bed each night at 8.30? Perhaps you’re not a drinker but a few minutes spent chatting to others of your group in the bar, even over sparkling mineral water, indicates your interest in enjoying time with them.
Be aware of personal
hygiene. It’s a given that there’s usually no time for washing each piece of clothing after each wearing, but turning underwear inside out is going a bit far... or maybe that client was joking! If you develop an illness while away, then do all you can to minimise the spread by not shaking hands, keeping your distance from others where possible and getting medical advice.
If you have a complaint then bring it to the attention of the tour leader
immediately, and in private, rather than broadcasting to the other tour participants first. The tour leader wants everyone to have a great time so will fix things early rather than letting disappointment fester.
And don’t hog the front seat! It’s the quickest way to make enemies.
We are increasingly living our lives more independently of others and the big family get-togethers, picnics and dinner parties are less common than they were. Travelling this way on a coach or a cruise allows us all to reconnect and form a new and close community, if only for a few days. It lifts your spirits and affirms the proposition that no man is an island, and that we can all give and receive the pleasure of new friendships.
At Trendsetter, we’ll help you find the option that will best maximise YOUR enjoyment!
TRAVEL Adrienne Witteman, Managing Director, Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre.
AUCTION 23/06/18
FOR SALE
24 Pinaroo Place, Lane Cove 3 Bed 1 Bath 2 Car
Set on an impressive 910sqm (approx) block, here is an incredible opportunity to secure a coveted position in this family friendly cul-de-sac, close to transport & schools.
Paul Nees 0432 995 847 Stevie Jackson 0410 817 777 91 Warrane Road, Willoughby 4 Bed 2 Bath 1 Car
This warm family home beautifully blends period features with modern touches on a 590sqm approx parcel. Short walk to cafes, shops, parks and schools. Trains and city bus stops are nearby.
Hazel McNamara 0402 913 537
Ray White Lane Cove 9428 4100 lanecove.nsw@raywhite.com 162 Longueville Road, Lane Cove raywhitelanecove.com.au
Open: Sat & Wed 11.00 - 11.30am AUCTION 16/06 at 1.30pm on site
56 Fox Street, Riverview 4 bed 2 bath 1 garage
• Newly renovated, beautifully extended and bathed in north sun • Private rear garden perfect for entertaining and family life • O/plan living, dining and deluxe new kitchen with garden views
Simon Harrison 0433 100 150 Jess Goodman 0401 888 555 Open: Sat & Wed 1.30 - 2.00pm AUCTION 16/06 AT 9.45am on site
71a Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove 6 bed 4 bath 3 car
• Two self-contained dwellings in one, flexibility with R4 zoning • Ideal dual investment, home plus income or substantial abode • Spacious living areas, modern kitchens, double garage, carport
Jess Goodman 0401 888 555 Simon Harrison 0433 100 150
belle property hunters hill 3/52-56 gladesville road, hunters hill 9817 7729 belle property lane cove 158 longueville road, lane cove 9087 3333
FOR LEASE FOR LEASE
5 Ford Street, Greenwich 3 bed 2 bath 1 car $1,600pw
A charming Art Deco façade belies the entertainer's dream at the rear! Step into the warehouse-style extension offering multiple living options, opening onto the beautiful garden courtyard.
Diane Shipley Liz Chuck 9966 0543 6/100 Greenwich Road, Greenwich 2 bed 1 bath 1 car $600pw
One of six in a beautifully converted Victorian manor, this stylish and quiet ground floor apartment has a garden patio, a homely and peaceful lifestyle, in a convenient location.
Diane Shipley Liz Chuck 9966 0543
9966 0543 harbourline.com.au
FOR SALE
21 Hart Street, Lane Cove 4 bed 2 bath 1 car
• Open plan living and updated designer kitchen • Interiors enjoy effortless flow to a sunny north facing verandah • Large, vast lush landscaped gardens and level lawn on 768 m2
Mark Swift 0415 167 158 AUCTION 16/06/18 at 11.00am on site
7/59-61 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove 2 bed 2 bath 2 car
• Deluxe stone kitchen with gas, chic modern bathrooms • Freshly painted, brand new carpets, new blinds and timber floors • Open plan living and dining with vaulted skylight ceilings
