Australia & New Zealand
Why is this clean, green, safe and friendly part of the world
near the top of everyone’s travel list?
Aussies and Kiwis (Australians and New Zealanders) are friendly,
the lifestyle is relaxed and informal, the sun shines and the
beaches are golden: “Down Under” is a vacation paradise,
especially for family travelers.
The seasons here are exactly opposite those of the U.S. or
Canada, making Australia the perfect place to spend the “winter”
holidays in summertime splendor. Our summer — Australia’s winter
— months of June, July and August are great times to explore the
rainforests of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef or the central
continent’s Outback. Neighboring New Zealand offers the same
seasonal patterns, with slightly lower temperatures overall.
There’s no discounting the fact that Australia and New Zealand
are on the other side of the globe, but it takes less time to
travel here than, for example, to the Orient. While our
itineraries state that you arrive in Australia or New Zealand on
“Day 3,” in fact, you’re usually in transit for less than a day
— often on an overnight flight. “Day 2” is a phantom day, “lost”
as you cross the International Dateline in mid-ocean. (On your
return journey, as that day is regained, you’ll miraculously
arrive in the U.S. a few hours before you left the South
Pacific.)
It’s a relaxing journey with time to contemplate the exciting
adventure to come. With their extraordinary landscapes,
indigenous cultures and unique animal life, Australia and New
Zealand are exotic destinations…where English is universally
spoken, menus offer familiar choices and cultural expectations
are shared.
Family Travel
Active Travel
Educational Travel
