Our Commitment

To present enriching, quality and imaginative travel experiences in congenial company at the most competitive price available.

Our defining difference

‘a community of ‘friends and friends of friends’ sharing enriching and unforgettable travel experiences in congenial company’

Reflections by Travelling Friends on recent Programmes

“Going with a marvelous group of like-minded friends is quite different to other groups with which we have travelled. Also there was more of everything – more choices, more special places to visit and more time to enjoy such places, more fun, more food, and more camaraderie. Each day was full yet we were never rushed. Accommodation was always carefully selected in the best surroundings, appropriate to the area and of excellent standard.”
Jenny and Ken, Bowral NSW
‘A Leisurely Tour through Europe 2000’

“A trip with ‘Travelling Friends’ is a delight beyond description. Some members are very musical, making for many magical moments.”
Gwen, Doncaster Victoria
‘Europe 2000 and Europe 2002’

“The programme was ‘value for money’ in every respect. It was completely stress and worry free, interesting, informative and well organised.”
Graham and Beverley, Woolooware NSW
‘Europe 2002’

“What luxury and so much to delight the eye and senses”
Judy and Kees, Allambie Heights NSW
‘Europe 2002’

“We had a wonderful time. Enjoying so many beautiful places and being with a group of lovely people made it an experience we will never forget.”
Bob and Lois, Killara NSW
‘Europe 2002’

“Thank you for a remarkable and wonderful time in Alaska and Canada. It was a real highlight in our lives. The places visited, the experiences shared, and the stunning scenery was perfect for us and our love for the ‘great outdoors'. Your meticulous prior planning and expertise on tour resulted in a memorable holiday.”
Barry and Barb, Doncaster Victoria
‘Alaska and Canada 2004’

“Thank you for your leadership, sense of fun, superb organisation and advance preparation for our holiday in Canada and Alaska. We enjoyed it beyond our expectations from the point of view of travelling in a group, scenery, hotels, food and organised activities. If anyone asks if a ‘Travelling Friends’ trip is worthwhile, the answer would be a resounding YES!”
Eric and Gail, Manly NSW
‘Alaska and Canada 2004’

“For us it was a trip of a lifetime exploring parts of God’s wonderful world. The beautiful memories of places and people will be with us always…The Alaska trip was so different and memorable compared to other itineraries available. “
Don and Barbara, Melbourne
‘Alaska and Canada 2004’

“We had a delightful time with a group that had common interests, with similar ages and travelling purposes. The quality of the hotels was excellent. The professionalism of the tour guides hired was outstanding…The Holiday was good value. We did a lot of different things and it was quite an adventure for people our age.”
John and Annette, Sunshine Coast QLD
‘Alaska and Canada 2004’

“Thank you for the wonderful trip to New Zealand. It was so carefully planned, allowing us to enjoy it so very much. The group was fabulous, extraordinary really. Thank you for an unforgettable 12 days.”
Pam and Graham, Sydney
’12 Days in the South Island of New Zealand 2005’

“We had a wonderful time. Everybody was very welcoming and friendly to us newcomers. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting people we now can consider our friends.” 
Lorraine and Eric.  Boronia, Melbourne
‘Travelling the King’s Road from St Petersburg to Bergen, preceded by Croatia 2006.’

“How I enjoyed the trip! It was absolutely fabulous – beyond my wildest dreams! We saw and experienced such a variety of events- the scenery, the ballet, the piano concert- I could go on! I am looking forward to hearing about future tours. I would love to travel with you and your fellow travellers again.”
Judy, Melbourne
‘Travelling the King’s Road from St Petersburg to Bergen, preceded by Croatia 2006.’

“Our trip was the best. We had a great time, saw the most interesting places, stayed in the best hotels, travelled with nice folk and had lots of laughs.”
Marlyn and Phil, Kyneton, Victoria
‘Travelling the King’s Road from St Petersburg to Bergen, preceded by Croatia 2006.’

“We enjoyed so many wonderful sights and experiences, especially the “Sleeping Beauty” Ballet in St Petersburg, the majestic fiords and lakes of Norway, the Grieg piano concert, Lake Bled … just to name a few.”
Lois and Bob Manly, Sydney
‘Travelling the King’s Road from St Petersburg to Bergen, preceded by Croatia 2006.’

“Thank you for a wonderful tour in Europe. You gave us an exemplary time, one which we will never forget. Renewing friendships and making new friends was a brilliant bonus. The trip was great and a tribute to your organisational and people skills.”
John and Anna, Sydney
‘Travelling the King’s Road from St Petersburg to Bergen, preceded by Croatia 2006.’

“What a fabulous time we had travelling with you through eight countries! How exciting it was as we climbed old city walls, visited the cobbled streets of ancient towns, visited beautiful palaces and churches and clambered, wearing crampons on a Norwegian glacier.  Your detailed planning, expertise and friendly approach gave us a most wonderful holiday. We loved every minute of it!”
Barbara and Barry, Melbourne
‘Travelling the King’s Road from St Petersburg to Bergen, preceded by Croatia 2006.’

 “We have had many new experiences and have lots of happy memories to take back home. We so appreciate the fine detail of your planning in order to create such a wonderful journey.”
Lucy & Ken, Melbourne
‘Japan, USA National Parks and Regional Britain. 2008’

“Many thanks for a wonderful trip packed with adventure, fun and excitement - an experience of a lifetime.”
Rob and Tracey. Clareville, Sydney
‘Japan, USA National Parks and Regional Britain 2008’

“Another fantastic trip!  Thanks so much for wanting us to enjoy every minute. It’s been superb.”
Rosalie. Wollongong, NSW
‘Japan, USA National Parks and Regional Britain 2008’

“Thanks for another wonderful travel experience and for all your careful planning so that we could enjoy a wonderful holiday.”
Elva. Croydon Hills, Melbourne
‘Japan, USA National Parks and Regional Britain 2008’

“We appreciated your commitment to your fellow travellers through your incredible research, your attention to detail and your sensitive management.”
David, Melbourne.
‘Japan, USA National Parks and Regional Britain 2008’

“I loved every moment in Japan.  You excelled again- so many wonderful things to see and experience.”
Bev, Sydney
‘Japan, USA National Parks and Regional Britain 2008’

“…Such a very special holiday! We have seen and experienced so many lovely places with Travelling Friends…a great itinerary!”
Lois and Bob, Sydney
‘Japan, USA National Parks and Regional Britain 2008’

“It was so good to join you in London. We instantly felt we were holidaying with friends old and new, and once again the tour fulfilled all that had been promised and more (with a couple of happy surprises)! There were so many wonderful inclusions, well organised with first class hotels and food.”
Robin and Bob, Lindfield, Sydney
‘Japan, USA National Parks and Regional Britain 2008’

“We find the way in which you organise the travelling by coach, train, ferry; the sightseeing and accommodation is just what we are looking for… the lovely hotels and meals…it is a real pleasure to travel with Travelling Friends.
Wendy and Ed, Narre Warren South, Melbourne.”
‘Japan, USA National Parks and Regional Britain 2008’

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. The cost of tour programmes organised by ‘Travelling Friends’  appears to be at the top end of the scale when comparing prices with similar itineraries provided by other European tour operators. Would you please comment?

A. It is important to appreciate any suggested comparisons are not really comparisons at all unless every feature making up the itinerary is considered and compared in every respect against the same item provided by another tour operator. The only way to accomplish this is to present a specific programme to a number of suppliers and request them to quote on that particular submission as detailed. In arriving at the cost of our programmes we obtain a number of quotations direct from providers, and where appropriate from a range of reputable wholesalers, and all other issues being considered, select the most competitive. In summary we are absolutely confident it is not possible to purchase a programme identical to any of those which we have available at a more attractive price. Furthermore where applicable we are committed to passing on to group members any savings we are able to effect resulting from direct negotiation with suppliers, forward commitments, volume purchases and any improvement in the foreign exchange rate.

An important factor to bear in mind when considering one of our programmes alongside that of a competitor is our itinerary as presented is ‘all inclusive’. Our itineraries are not made up of a ‘core programme’ to which are attached a lot of expensive ‘add-ons’ under the guise of ‘freedom of choice’. The only additional costs to group members during the entire course of a tour would be lunches, drinks (other than tea or coffee) and personal spending. Included in our quoted price, are Departure Taxes (read airport surcharges, terrorism insurance charge, baggage security charge, and noise taxes), all of which add up to a sizable sum. Included also are tips and gratuities, for the Coach Driver and Guides, which over a twenty eight day period could amount to A$400 plus per person, are also included in our quoted price.

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Q. I have reservations about travelling in a group, what are the benefits of travelling in a group compared with travelling independently?

A. A case can be made for both modes of travel. As an individual or in pairs, at any time during the period of vacation one has the flexibility to arrange or rearrange one’s schedule on a daily or even an hourly basis. This of course extends to the standard of accommodation and meals one might enjoy throughout the period. Travelling with a group of course does involve, in the main, being party to a pre-arranged programme. Having said that, the make-up of programmes arranged under the auspices of ‘Travelling Friends’ is the result of suggestions from friends who have expressed an initial interest in a particular concept in the first instance. Following on the drafting of a basic itinerary, further input is invited from potential travellers with a view to finalising the overall programme.

Tangible benefits of group travel however, can be expressed in dollar terms. Throughout the past six programmes, which have taken us through much of Europe including Scandinavia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and the US including Alaska, we have compared the price of accommodation, meals and entry fees based on group rates, with those which would apply as an independent traveller.  Group rates have proved to be much more attractive in every case. Add to this the positive benefits of personal security, the input from good local guides, coupled with the absence of stress resulting from the knowledge that transport, accommodation, meals and other services have been taken care of, and you have the basis of a relaxing vacation.

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Q. I have travelled in a group before and felt it was continually driven by  tight time constraints, by that I mean early morning starts, long distances covered in one day, for the most part on ‘motorways’,  and insufficient time to appreciate places of interest. What would be different about a group tour with Travelling Friends?

A. A feature of our programmes is the ‘leisurely’ pace.  We aim never to leave our hotel prior to 8.30am. We pre-plan our itineraries with a view to maximising our time in places of interest, endeavoring whenever possible to limit the distance travelled in any one day to 250 kilometers. The following statistics reflect the ‘pace’ of our forthcoming programme through Europe in 2010….

* Number of 3 night accommodation venues             1
* Number of 2 night accommodation venues             13
* Number of 1 night accommodation venues             8
*Average distance travelled between overnight venues         256 kilometers            

In addition to the above, wherever possible, we elect to ‘take the scenic route’ as opposed to the motorways. Our aim is to present the optimum balance between ‘leisurely and ‘tour’.

Q. The adage “you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your relations” applies equally to the choice of travelling companions. How do I know we will not have to contend with ‘that one’ who is insensitive to the norms of group etiquette?

A. As indicated in our ‘introduction’ the source from which a tour group is derived consists of a network made-up entirely of ‘friends and friends of friends’. It has been our experience friends are unlikely to introduce into the network acquaintances with which they themselves would have difficulty spending an extended time.

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Q. I have read through most of the publications distributed by the major tour companies and would have difficulty selecting one organization over another. What do you consider to be three distinguishing features of a Travelling Friends programme?

A. The makeup of the group itself, see above
* Our defining difference,
* Value for money,
* Variety