travel tailor australia

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Travel experiences tailored for you

Whatever you have in mind, we provide advice and a vibrant range of options for your trip or adventure. If you’re looking for a trip of a lifetime and need to work closely with one of our travel experts, we offer a premium level service to suit.

If you already know where you’re going and what you need, you can book online with us. You’ll get the same level of value, service and support, whichever service you use, so you can relax and enjoy your trip without a worry.

If you are after business travel services, visit our Corporate site.

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If you would like to book Package for more than 35  days, then Please contact us.

CURRENT TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS & ADVICE: Important information for you to know before travelling

Planning your perfect trip is not something you take lightly, and neither do we. The Travel Tailor team prides itself on its knowledge of a broad range of destinations and our ability to deliver on your vision.

Do you want to experience the diversity on your doorstep with an Australian holiday, the vibrant cultures of Asia or an African Safari? Does skiing in Japan appeal – may be a North American adventure or the luxury and history of Europe?

Whatever you desire, we can create an itinerary to ensure your trip will be an experience you’ll remember forever.

Looking for a luxury holiday experience? You’re in the right place. But if corporate travel is what you’re after, Travel Tailor provides a range of services to suit your requirements.

We will listen carefully to properly understand your desires and preferences. The result? An itinerary that delivers a trip that’s the experience of a lifetime .

Just like you, we want your holiday to be unforgettable. We are committed to making your trip a success. We’ll attend to all the details during the planning stage to make sure everything goes as expected. But if there is an unforeseen problem, you can contact us anytime, and we’ll be there to offer you support and solve your problem.

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Luxury Australia Tours made for you

Exceptional Wine

Enjoy all the wine-producing regions have to offer

Stunning Beaches

From the Whitsundays to Noosa

Explore Kangaroo Island or swim the Great Barrier Reef

Unmatched Scenery

Magnificent Uluru, a desert retreat and the Blue Mountains

Vibrant Cities

Explore uniquely cool Melbourne & sunny Sydney

Vibrant cities, wonderful wines, outback adventure and beautiful beaches

Encompassing gleaming coastal cities and the oldest continuous culture on earth, famous beaches, iconic endemic wildlife with a vast landscape of red desert, alpine mountains, rainforests and coral reefs ripe for exploration.

There’s an innovative food scene, prestigious wine industry, vibrant art and a warm, laid-back people to welcome you. While not lagging far behind the United States in scale, Australia has a population of just 23 million who mostly live around the idyllic coast in modern cities such as Sydney , Melbourne , Brisbane  and Perth , leaving the immense centre as wilderness, affectionately known as the Outback .

There’s also the beautiful and remote Top End  sitting next to the equally remarkable state of Western Australia , unique islands such as Tasmania , Kangaroo Island and the white sanded Whitsundays that sit between the northeast coast of Queensland and the rich waters of the Great Barrier Reef .

Blessed with sunshine, it is a place where as much time as possible is spent outdoors, whether surfing, fishing, boating or barbecuing, and there’s no better way to experience Australia than by joining in.

And then there’s Australia’s wildlife, a long geographic period of isolation giving rise to a unique species – marsupials such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and bandicoots and egg-laying mammals, like the platypus – along with huge saltwater crocodiles, fearsome snakes and some of the best marine wildlife watching opportunities in the world.

Explore some of the breathtakingly beautiful beaches and remote reefs in Western Australia

Seek out kangaroos, koalas, sea lions and numerous bird species on the natural haven of Kangaroo Island

Discover the spectacular underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Soak up the remarkably dramatic scenery and historic sites of Tasmania

Tick off bucket-list experiences in the incredible hub and one of Australia’s largest cities, Sydney

Witness the sweeping rusty red earth and extraordinary land formations in the Outback

Ellie Khoury

Travel Designer

Australia offers an impressive diversity of experiences, from the north where two UNESCO sites meet, the largest reef in the world, Great Barrier Reef, and the oldest rainforest, The Daintree. Down South to Kangaroo Island, providing you a chance to see Australias endemic wildlife in the wild and Tasmania, for its rugged mountainous beauty, then journeying into Outback where you will find yourself surrounded by the scorched red earth and blanketed by the huge blue sky.

Luxury accommodation in Australia

Great Barrier Reef and Northern Queensland

Uluru and the Outback

Whitsundays

Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip Inspiration

19 Day trip

12 Day trip

15 Day trip

14 Day trip

11 Day trip

Whatever you want from your Australia tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Where to go

Sydney boasts a rich and intriguing history, famous beaches and iconic landmarks.

New South Wales

On the east coast of Australia, boasting the beautiful city of Sydney at its heart.

Victoria and Melbourne

With handsome Victorian-era architecture, museums, galleries, theatres, green parks, and an innovative art and nightlife scene, this is undoubtedly Australia’s cultural heart.

Widely known for its vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness, diverse landscapes that range from rugged mountains and highland lakes to rainforests, cascading waterfalls and a dramatic coastline.

The northern reaches of Queensland are incredible sites for those who enjoy vast wilderness. Considered one of the great natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is the biggest coral reef system on the planet.

A chain of 74 islands, four of which boast renowned luxury resorts, the Whitsunday Islands are found in the middle of the incomparable Great Barrier Reef just off the coast of Queensland.

Founded on the banks of its eponymous river, the old city of Brisbane is located between the famous Sunshine and Gold Coast, each a magnet for surfers and beach lovers.

South Australia

From the great stretching vastness of the wild Australian Outback to the charm of wine valleys and beaches of silver sand, your stay will be a memorable one.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a deceptively large island off the southern coast of Australia, not far from Adelaide, playing host to a magnificent wilderness, with large populations of the country’s beloved wildlife.

Australia’s Top End contains some of the few remaining expanses of genuinely untouched wilderness in the world, a remote haven that abounds with national parks and rugged beauty.

Perth and Margaret River

Perth can be found on the far west coast of the country, the capital city of Western Australia state, and while it may appear to be isolated from other major cities, it carries a uniquely laid back and cosmopolitan charm and has been voted as one of the most liveable modern cities, not just in Australia, but in the world.

There is both an extraordinary physical beauty, exquisite in its isolation, as well as a tangible spiritual energy that binds together the land and the people.

Western Australia

Western Australia has everything from vibrant cities and quaint vineyards to epic coastline and vast, open plains.

Luxury Rail Travel Australia

A great way to explore Australia is by luxury train, allowing you to cover vast distances in comfort and style while admiring the epic landscapes pass by.

Meet your Australasia team

When to visit

With Australia’s immense size and diverse landscapes, different regions are best visited at different times of year, and no matter the month, somewhere will be in its prime. The southern coastal cities are wonderful all year round, if a touch cooler in winter between May and August. This, however, is the ideal time to explore the Red Centre, Queensland, Great Barrier Reef and North West, areas which are very hot and humid in the summer.

April - October

The Great Barrier Reef

Visit New South Wales

December - February

When is the Best Time to Visit Australia?

Australia travel guides.

Best vineyards in Australia

Hidden Gems: Best Secret Beaches in Australia

Great Walks of Australia

Where to Go on Safari in Australia

Plan your trip to australia.

Whatever you want from your adventure in Australia, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

An incredible one-in-a-lifetime experience!! Thank you Jacada Travel for putting together the best trip ever!!

The trips was an amazing overview of Australia! We traveled to Sydney, Uluru, the Daintree Rainforest and Lizard Island. Each place had uniqueness that made it memorable. We especially loved the glamping in Uluru and the "private jet" to Lizard Island. The accommodations were fantastic and the care that Jacada offered made this trip quite special.

Ellie has done a fabulous job listening to our interests, needs, wants and desires in customizing our Australia/Tasmania/New Zealand itinerary. She has put together a spectacular trip for us. I would highly recommend Ellie and Jacada for your travel needs.

Ellie and Gita planned an amazing adventure in Australia for my sister and I. The accommodations were great, all transfers seamless, and the itinerary covered everything I wanted. The attention to detail was exceptional. Thank you.

The experience was great in that everything was handled down to the last detail. The accommodations were 5 Star, and the experiences were some that we would not have known about on our own.

Plan with peace of mind

When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

Your travel designers since 2001

Australia, new zealand & fiji.

"Our team offers you immersive trips to discover the most unusual places in the continent. Share the lives of locals around a fire, though a story or while enjoying the local gastronomy in the most incredible and breathtaking places, where the best travel memories are made."

Kangaroo Island, nature at its best

Nature and man live in harmony on this enchanting island, a hundred kilometres south of...

Spotlight: South Australia

Adelaide, Australian elegance

Founded in 1836, South Australia's capital is one of Australia's most elegant cities, with its many...

Barossa Valley, in the heart of the vineyards

55 km northeast of Adelaide, this wide valley is the most famous of Australia's wine regions...

Meet our team

As trend-setters, we offer itineraries that allow you to appreciate all the facets of our destinations. A team of passionate people above all, our tailor-made experts can meet the most exclusive travel requirements, always in tune with the local ecosystem. With services mastered from A to Z, ACROSS listens to travellers to provide relevant and adapted itineraries, based on a responsible tourism.

Our Expertise

Creators of original trips to Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, ACROSS was born from our love of the region and has been bringing extraordinary emotions to all travellers for almost 20 years. Our mission is to offer personalized quality services with access to intelligent and responsible tourism, in synergy with the local ecosystems and its inhabitants.

Tailor-Made travel

Build your adventure, your way

Our Tailor-Made trips show you the world on your terms. We turn dreaming into doing. All you need to do is tell us what your dream adventure looks like. Whether you tailor one of our trips or build your own - we’ll bring it to life.

So what are you waiting for? Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

You've explored our destination and tester trips for inspiration, so next it's time to tell us all about your travel dreams. It's all about choices - make as few or as many as you like, we're here to help every step of the way.

We'll match you with one of our specialist consultants, there to guide you through any tricky logistics, offer advice, arrange as many activites as you like and together tailor the unique local experiences our insider knowledge offers.

We'll work with our local teams to bring you a day-to-day itinerary with costs for your chosen group. You can then work closely with your specialist consultant to get all those personal details right, before even paying a deposit.

It's time to turn dreaming into doing. Once you're happy with your itinerary, lock it in, get your confirmation, and look forward to your unforgettable trip, with support from us from now, right until you return home.

Tailor an existing trip or build your own

We've been creating thousands of trips for over 30 years and on every continent, so you can trust we can make your dream adventure a reality.

With our teams travelling, living and working where we visit, their knowledge is deep, personal and gives you the kind of experiences only locals know.

You can travel easy knowing every trip has Intrepid's responsible and local values at its core - giving back to local communities, businesses and the environment.

We've rethought how we travel so you can trust that your wellbeing and safety is our top priority, from flexible booking conditions to safety guidelines.

Do I have to choose an existing Intrepid itinerary?

Not at all. Tailor-Made means you can choose to make a fully custom itinerary with the assistance of our expert specialist consultants or choose one of our 1,000+ existing itineraries to modify to suit your group’s specific needs. This can include upgrading the hotels, slowing down or speeding up the pace or adding a focus like food or physical activity.

Is it more cost-effective to book a Tailor-Made Experience?

This will depend on the destination, the standard of accommodation, the amount of included activities, the itinerary and how many passengers will be travelling with you. Generally, if you were to run a private group trip of 6 or more, the price becomes comparable to our publicly available group trips.

How long does it take to get a pricing proposal?

Our specialist consultants will be able to provide you with an estimated time frame once we've received the details of the kind of Tailor-Made Experience you are looking to create.

What is included in my pricing proposal?

This will depend on your requests, but generally a pricing proposal for a Tailor-Made experience includes a custom itinerary from one of our expert specialist consultants featuring a local leader, transport, accommodation, some meals and some activities and excursions.

What's not included in my pricing proposal?

The pricing proposal for Tailor-Made Experiences does not include the cost of:

International Flights : We can provide separate pricing for international airfares if departing from the UK or Australia.

Travel Insurance : We can advise on where to purchase travel insurance. Note if you’re departing from Australia, we can also assist with arranging your travel insurance.

What is the minimum number for a Tailor-Made trip?

We can create a Tailor-Made experience for groups of four or more. Depending on the request, prices become comparable to our public small group adventures with 6 or more.

Tailor-Made is also an option with our Adventure Cruising and Polar experiences, but minimum numbers are variable. Please get in touch with a Tailor-Made specialist consultant for more information.

Can you include free of charge spaces for group organisers, hosts, chaperones etc.?

We can include the cost of a free-of-charge (FOC) spot with any pricing proposal. The cost of this spot will then be averaged out among the paying passengers. Please advise us when requesting a pricing proposal whether you’ll need any FOC spots for your trip.

Can you tailor-make a trip for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Everyone should feel comfortable when they travel with Intrepid and we know that many of our travellers are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, so we are here to make your trip easy and relaxed. Your specialist consultant is there to listen and work through any concerns, sharing their knowledge of local laws and customs, as some destinations we visit have laws that discriminate against LGBTQIA+ people.

How will you look after my safety on a Tailor-Made trip?

Your safety is our top priority, no matter what type of trip you’re on. We have extensive and recently updated Health & Safety Guidelines to ensure you are looked after. Learn more about our safe travels policies  here .

What support will I be offered on a Tailor-Made trip?

With Tailor-Made we’re here to help every step of the way, from the specialist consultant who helps you design your itinerary and answers any questions you have, to the local leaders and guides in your chosen destination and the on-ground operations teams there with support until the end of your trip.

What’s the process when I contact you to start creating my Tailor-Made trip?

1. Get to know your Tailor-Made specialist consultant When you call, email or fill out a form online, you’ll be put in touch with a specialist who knows your destination well or is an expert in your area of interest. They’ll be able to guide you through any tricky logistics, offer advice and arrange as many activities as you like.

2. Get the itinerary priced After we’ve put together an itinerary based on your group’s interests, we’ll get a quote from our local teams on the ground in our Destination Management Company (DMC) offices worldwide.

3. Receive your pricing proposal As soon as we receive costs from our local team, we will send through a detailed day-by-day itinerary with costing for your group size. From here you can request changes or move forward with paying a deposit to request your tour services.

4. Lock it in Once you are happy with the itinerary and ready to go ahead, we’ll need to collect deposits per person along with the full names of the group. Once we have everyone’s deposits on file, our local teams will begin confirming the elements of your trip. This can take 5-7 business days. Once the trip is confirmed, we will send you a confirmation pack, which means that services and prices are locked in.

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group

• Social Responsiblity
• Leisure and Corporate Travel
• Student and Educational Travel
• Cruise Ship Shore Excursions, Pre- and Post-Touring
• Special Interest Travel
• Aboriginal Indigenous Culture Touring
• Nature, Wildlife and Conservation Touring
• Australian Geographic Tours

New South Wales

• Northern Territory

South Australia

Western australia.

• Useful Information
• News and Travel Tips
• AUSTRALIA’S TAILOR MADE GROUP TRAVEL SPECIALIST

INSIGHT AUSTRALIA TRAVEL IS AUSTRALIA’S LEADING TAILOR-MADE  GROUP TRAVEL SPECIALIST

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TRAVEL YOUR WAY

Tailored Travel

Tailor made experiences.

Are you are planning a once in a lifetime trip or a long overdue holiday? Maybe you are searching for a unique experience or just need a quick getaway.

Tailored Travel will work with you to create a customised itinerary that meets your needs and budget. From independent travel through to small group tours, we have access to competitive rates and an extensive range of products.

Tailored Travel specialises in curating seamless and memorable travel experiences for all travellers – families, individuals and the discerning business traveller.  

Travel is our passion. Let us share it with you. 

Expertise and Industry knowledge

How many hours have you spent Googling your trip? 

Tailored Travel has been arranging trips to Timbuktu, Thailand and Tahiti for over 20 years. We take the headache out of planning no matter your destination. 

We have the largest range of products in Australia and an impressive list of airline and supplier contacts to help with special requests.

Tailored Travel is a member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) and accredited under the Australian Travel Agents Scheme (ATAS). So you know you will be booking with a trusted travel advisor.

Pack your bags!

Anyone for pretzels?

While Munich has a notable fine dining scene, nothing beats the lightly salted, perfectly crisp, soft and fluffy giant German pretzel!

Standard bakery pretzels start around 15cm and can go up to DOUBLE that size! It’s the perfect snack while you wander the sites of this world-famous destination .

You had me at onsen

Onsen: A Japanese bathing facility set in luxurious and natural hot springs.

Relax in the warm water and breathe in the steamy air, feel your muscles relax and your mind unwind as you enjoy this famous Japanese tradition.

There are more than 2,000 onsens across Japan making it easy to locate and enjoy this experience on any Japanese holiday.

Get lost in Angkor Wat

Between 802 to 1432AD, this was the world’s greatest civilisation and the massive powerhouse of the Khmer rulers.

The temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the world’s biggest religious monument, is merely a fragment of the site’s entire size! This is a site you won’t want to miss on your next trip to Southeast Asia.  

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• Any questions? Call Us: 1300 135 391 | int. +61 3 9328 8488

• Special Interest
• Testimonials

WELCOME TO CONTOURS TRAVEL

Contours Travel is Australia’s longest-running tour operator to South America.

HOLIDAY IDEAS

El Gran Colombia – Fully Escorted Small Group Tour

Torres del Paine

South American Dream

Discover Mexico

Peru Northern Kingdoms

Galapagos Classic Safari Camp

Estancia Cerro Guido

Aqua Nera Amazon – Sample

Aqua Mare Galapagos – Sample

Hermes Mega Catamaran – Sample

The 3 Guianas – Fully Escorted Small Group Tour

Magellan Explorer: Antarctica Express Air-Cruise

Natural Paradise – Sample

World Explorer: South Georgia and Antarctica Penguin Safari

Ocean Adventurer: Fly the Drake

Ultramarine: Antarctic Explorer

Greg Mortimer: South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey

Ausangate Lodge-to-Lodge Trek

Comuna do Ibitipoca

Guajira Peninsula

Elite – Sample

Mini Galapagos Island Hopping – Sample

Deluxe Galapagos Island Hopping

Sea Star Journey – Sample

Grace – Sample

Petrel – Sample

Origin & Theory – Sample

Letty – Sample

La Pinta – Sample

Santa Cruz II – Sample

Isabela II – Sample

Grand Majestic – Sample

Ciudad Perdida Trek

Uaxactún & Tikal Adventure

Destination of the month: colombia.

Colombia is one of South America’s most underrated destinations. It beckons travellers with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, this diverse country captivates with its lush Amazon rainforest, majestic Andean peaks, and pristine beaches. From the cosmopolitan capital to the extravagant beauty of Cartagena, the lush Coffee Triangle to the rugged Guajira Peninsula, Colombia offers a wealth of captivating landscapes and experiences to entice and enchant you.

WHY CHOOSE CONTOURS TRAVEL?

LATIN AMERICAN SPECIALISTS

We are an independent, Australian-owned, boutique tour operator specialising exclusively in travel to Latin America – South America, Central America, Mexico, Cuba and Antarctica. We know Latin America by heart.

We’ve been creating unique Latin American holidays since 1975 and are Australia’s longest-running South American travel specialist.

TAILOR MADE TOURS

We work with you to create a bespoke holiday experience that is genuinely yours. Every itinerary we create is designed with your unique requirements and expectations in mind.

Every member of our team has travelled extensively throughout Latin America. And we’re passionate about sharing our knowledge and experience with you.

PEACE OF MIND

We have been working with many of our in-country partners for more than 30 years. And while you are travelling, they are available 24/7 for around the clock support. What’s more, we fully guarantee our services.

TESTIMONIAL

But don’t just take our word for it! We have hundreds of testimonials from clients and agents who vouch for us.

LATIN AMERICA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS

Looking for an unforgettable holiday to South America, Central America, Mexico, Cuba, or Antarctica? Look no further than Contours Travel, Australia’s leading Latin America travel specialist! With over 45 years of experience designing unique holidays to Latin America, we have the exceptional expertise and firsthand knowledge to create tailor-made tours that are perfectly suited to your needs and budget.

Our owner and director, Ted Dziadkiewicz, first explored South America as an overland driver in the 1970s. And since then, Ted has explored South America more than 120 times, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. And with our team of travel specialists who have hiked across Patagonia, cruised the Amazon River, and climbed volcanoes in Costa Rica and Guatemala, you can be confident that you’re getting the very best guidance and care.

EXCEPTIONAL EXPERTISE

Our team of travel specialists is among the best in the business, with firsthand experience of the most exciting destinations in the region. We’ve hiked across Patagonia, cruised the Amazon River, and climbed volcanoes in Costa Rica, and we’re ready to create a tailor-made tour that’s perfectly suited to your needs and interests. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little of both, we’ll work with you to design the trip of a lifetime.

TAILOR-MADE TOURS

At Contours Travel, we offer tailor-made tours, meaning every holiday is different. And with new routes developing daily, great hotels getting better, and touring options becoming more diverse every week, we won’t list prices on our website. Instead, we’ll give you the most competitive price at the moment you make an enquiry.

We’re committed to responsible travel and support of a range of community projects and initiatives throughout Latin America. And we always encourage our travellers to enquire about opportunities to donate or volunteer. So, whether you’re budget-conscious or looking to splurge, call us today and let one of our travel specialists help you transform your holiday into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

So why wait? Contact us today to start planning your dream tour!

TESTIMONIALS

Grainne & Anthony; Mar 2024

Stuart; Apr 2024

Andrea; Agent Fam Trip, Mar 2024

Barry, Sharon, Ray, Marilyn & Mark; Mar 2024

Carol & Graeme; Apr 2024

Milton & Barbara; Mar 2024

Janet, Sep 2023

Barb & Ian; Feb 2023

Hayden & Kate; Oct 2022

Jan (Travel Agent), January 2023

Joe, February 2023

Simon, Suzie & Family; Jan 2023

Catherine & Family; Oct 2022

Ruth; April 2022

Brian & Adelaida; April 2022

Megan, Travel Agent; June 2022

Neal & Yvonne; April 2022

Tara & Paul; April 2022

Marina & Anthony; Nov 2021

Chelsea and Gemma, 2021

Megan, Travel Agent 2020

Maria & Domenic, Peru, 2020

Fiona & Ray, Argentina and Chile 2020

Janelle, Travel Agent 2020

Bridget, Peru 2019

Pat & Mary, Antarctica 2019

Brett & Elvira, Cuba and Mexico 2019

Jo & noel, chile 2019.

Rose, Ecuador 2019

Alex Lee, Ecuador 2019

Margi, Patagonia & Atacama 2019

Tanya, Costa Rica and Mexico 2019

Debbie & Kevin, Ecuador 2019

Judy & Ron, Guatemala. March, 2019.

Penny & Andrew, Chile and Argentina 2019

Suzanne & Bruce, Central America 2018

Bob & Tina, Brazil 2019

Karen & Wayne, Patagonia 2018

The Martin family, Ecuador 2018

Rod & Vicki, Mexico & Guatemala 2018

Jill, Ecuador 2018

Erika, Peru 2018

Carolyn, Travel Agent. November, 2018.

Johna, Chile. November, 2018.

Heather, South America. November, 2018.

Bob, Brazil. November, 2018.

Dinah, Peru. October, 2018.

Kelly, Travel Agent. November, 2018.

Damian, Travel Agent. October, 2018.

Warren & Kay, Peru. September, 2018

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Chile, Argentina, Uruguay & USA Specialist

I started my career in travel when I moved to Thailand in 2018, after a year of teaching English Development I transitioned into the luxury travel sector.

In 2019, I joined Audley’s Boston office, specializing in travel throughout Southeast Asia before transitioning over to South America. Through annual trips to Chile, Argentina and most recently Uruguay, over the past years I’ve gained a significant insight into the cultural highlights within the region. With countless positive experiences one of my most memorable is traveling through Patagonia with my parents. They love the outdoors and being able to share such a unique trip with them hiking through the most iconic region in the world is unforgettable.

I currently live in Montana, where I enjoy weekend backpacking trips throughout the state and flyfishing on the Yellowstone River. I enjoy exploring the national parks and catching glimpse of some of the animals that call this state home as well.

Start planning your tailor-made trip with Sydney

• 617-223-4521 617-223-4900
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Q&A with Sydney

Your best piece of travel advice?

The best piece of travel advice I’ve carried with me and pass along is actually from my father. He travelled all over the world for work and was constantly moving around. He always said that the best way to enjoy yourself and have the best possible experience is to be flexible and expect complications. By being mentally prepared you’re already in the mindset that there might be a few hiccups and then nothing is a surprise. Things tend to work themselves out but by having a good attitude puts you in the best position to enjoy your trip.

What’s your most vivid travel moment?

I currently live in Montana and a big part of my day to day is exploring the local mountain ranges. I’ve had Patagonia on my bucket list for years, most specifically Torres Del Paine in Chile which is the ultimate hiker’s playground. In 2023, Audley was able to check off that box for me. I spent a week in Torres Del Paine completing some of the most amazing hikes. One of my favorite moments was after trekking for 21 km (13 miles) in the Patagonia climate of rain, snow, wind, and hail. When we finally made it to the top it was cloudy and hard to tell if the towers were actually there. A few minutes later the clouds parted and the sun came out exposing the three towers and the glacier blue lake below them. It was incredible and worth the hard work getting there.

Where would you love to travel next?

In South America, there are so many hidden gems especially in Chile and Argentina. One place I keep hearing incredible stories about is Bahia Bustamante. The New York Times wrote an article about the types of animals that gather here and how exceptional it is. There’s one lodge that is off the grid allowing the natural beauty to be its main highlight. I would love to explore Bahia Bustamante on my next trip to Argentina.

• Travel Updates

Australian husband and wife found dead at The Lake Hotel in the Philippines

The family of an Australian husband and wife found dead at a luxurious hotel in the Philippines have broken their silence, describing their ‘living nightmare’.

‘Sickening’: Tourist’s shock hippo act

Aussie CEO in ‘good spirits’ after US assault

Tourist crushed to death by elephant

The family of an Australian couple murdered at luxury hotel in the Philippines have described the situation as a “living nightmare”, as police search for a man seen leaving the room hours before the bodies were found.

Australian David James Fisk, 57, his wife Lucita Barquin Cortez, 55, a Philippine-born Australian citizen were staying at The Lake Hotel, at Tagaytay in Cavite province, southwest of the Philippines capital of Manila.

A third person, reported to be Ms Cortez’s daughter-in-law Mary Jane Cortez, 30, found with the couple is understood to be Filipino.

A hotel worker found the bodies of the victims on Wednesday, with a police statement reporting all three were found with their hands and feet bound and packaging tape covering their mouths.

Tagaytay police chief Charles Daven Capagcuan told The Associated Press Mr Fisk’s throat had been slit, while the women may have been suffocated with a pillow.

Mr Fisk’s family released a statement on Friday morning, sharing their grief and pleading for answers.

“The love we have for our Father and Lucita is so dear and this situation is like living a nightmare,” the statement read.

“We pray for answers and the truth in this horrific matter and just pray for their safe return to Australian shores.”

“David’s daughters, local known and loved residents in the Sutherland Shire, ask on behalf of their family that the media respect our privacy in this incredibly difficult and tragic time and we will be making no further comment.”

Police are interviewing witnesses and examining security footage from the hotel, and are looking to speak to a man seen on CCTV wearing a mask, a black hoodie and maroon shorts who walked out of the victims’ room carrying a bag a few hours before they were found.

A statement from the Tagaytay Cavite Police Provincial Office said the station’s tracker team had been activated, with searches being conducted at “all possible exit points within Tagaytay and nearby provinces to apprehend and identify the suspect”.

Local Mayor Abraham Tolentino apologised to Australia and has promised the incident will be resolved “as soon as possible”.

“We were shocked by this incident,” he told local media.

“We’re very sorry to our Australian friends.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) confirmed they were providing consular assistance to the families of the two Australians killed.

“We send our condolences to the families at this difficult time,” a DFAT spokeswoman said.

“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”

It is understood the Australian couple were due to fly back to Australia on the day they were killed, but decided to extend their trip at the last minute.

More Coverage

Mr Fisk’s body will be repatriated to Sydney, while both women will be buried in the Philippines, with the government to pay for their funeral and burial.

The luxurious hotel the couple were found at boasts a panoramic views of the world-famous Taal Lake and volcano.

Founded in 2008, Lake Hotel Tagaytay is a 90 minute drive from Manila.

A tourist has sparked widespread outrage after a video of what they tossed into a hippo’s mouth went viral.

A respected executive who was attacked on a San Francisco street is believed to be in good spirits after spending days in an induced coma.

A tourist has been crushed to death by an elephant in front of his screaming fiancee in South Africa.

Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation? It's complicated.

• Travel insurance can be complicated, but it's worth it if you have travel expenses that insurance would cover.
• You might not need travel insurance if you're taking a driving vacation and staying in a place where lodging is free.
• If you're leaving the country, you'll likely need travel insurance.

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If you're planning to travel somewhere this summer, you're probably thinking of buying travel insurance.

Kingsley Hopkins is. He's headed to Portugal and Iceland with his girlfriend, and he wants to make sure he's covered for things like medical emergencies or trip disruptions, "or if a volcano erupts," he said.

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But getting the right travel insurance can be complicated. There's no one-size-fits-all policy, and Hopkins, an assistant editor at a book publishing company in New York, has been spending a lot of time thinking about how to protect his summer vacation.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Chances are, so have you.

Why finding the right travel insurance is so hard

Most surveys suggest this will be a record summer for travel. How much of a record? Demand is so high that some airlines are afraid they will run out of planes. Now that's busy.

At the same time, danger and uncertainty are lurking everywhere – wars in Europe and the Middle East, the usual slate of natural disasters like hurricanes and maybe a volcano or two. It's no wonder people are giving some serious thought to insurance. 

Older travelers are particularly worried. And they should be, said PK Rao, CEO of INF Visitor Care . Claims by travelers over age 50 spike during the summer months.

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"According to our claim data, medical emergencies tend to uptick during the summer, especially for those going on trips that involve outdoor activities," he said.

But there are so many choices out there, including credit card coverage, medical evacuation membership programs and stand-alone travel insurance. What should you get?

You need peace of mind 

But don't just reflexively start shopping for a travel insurance policy this summer. Instead, look for peace of mind – knowing that if something goes wrong, you'll be taken care of.

"Knowing you're protected from unforeseen travel mishaps – like delays, lost baggage and even medical emergencies – can make the trip that much more enjoyable,” said Daniel Durazo, a spokesman for Allianz Partners USA .

As it turns out, there are several ways to get the peace of mind you need. And there are times when you can safely skip travel insurance.

This is when you don't need insurance

Here's when you can skip travel insurance, according to experts:

◾ If you already have coverage. "You may already have travel coverage through your benefits at work, your credit card, or through group benefits with an organization," said Jiten Puri, CEO of PolicyAdvisor.com. If you do, there's no need to buy more coverage. You're all set.

◾ If you're not traveling far. If you're taking a driving vacation and staying in a place where lodging is free, like a relative's sofa, then there's not much to insure. "If you already have health insurance, it may cover you for a domestic trip, so you don't need to think about health insurance coverage," said Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance .

◾ If your trip isn't insurable. Traditional travel insurance covers conventional trips with prepaid, nonrefundable components like airline tickets and hotel stays. You might find that you either already have coverage through your medical insurance, or the trip is essentially uninsurable.

So think twice before saying "yes" to optional travel insurance that your online travel agency may offer you when you're booking a trip. You might not need it.

Here's when you need travel insurance

But most travelers should consider some kind of travel insurance coverage this summer. Here's when you need the extra coverage:

◾ If you have travel expenses that insurance would cover. "If you have many prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, it's best to take out travel insurance," said Lauren Gumport, a spokeswoman for Faye Travel Insurance ."This includes things like flights, hotel rooms, tickets and activities." The more conventional your vacation, the likelier travel insurance is to cover almost every aspect of your summer vacation.

◾ If you're leaving the country. "Your regular medical insurance might not extend coverage beyond your home borders," said John Rose, chief risk and security officer at ALTOUR . Also, many countries require travel insurance for entrance. They include Bermuda, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and some European countries.

◾ If you can't afford to lose your trip. "When considering travel insurance for your summer trip, evaluate whether you can afford to lose your vacation investment due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, weather disruptions, or emergencies," explained Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA). "Can you afford the financial risk if you miss your cruise departure because of covered flight delays? What if you have to cut your trip short because of illness?"  

One of the most common mistakes travelers make is assuming their credit card will cover them. For example, I found that my credit card only covered my rental car as secondary insurance, which made it completely useless when I rented a car in Tampa recently. I had to buy a standalone policy from Allianz to cover the vehicle.

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How one traveler insured his summer vacation

So, how did Hopkins handle his travel insurance needs? Well, as I mentioned – it's complicated.

Hopkins said he always buys some travel insurance before he takes a trip, "but how much, and what I cover, varies," he explained.

He decided that his path to peace of mind in this case was to spend a few extra dollars: He made fully refundable flight and hotel reservations, just in case something went wrong. That would eliminate a lengthy claim with his travel insurance company or credit card.

But he still needed at least $50,000 in medical coverage with emergency evacuation because of his active schedule.

"We’re going to be doing a lot of hiking in Iceland," he said. "And you just never know." 

At the beginning of the year, he decided to buy an annual Medjet Horizon plan, a membership that would get him from a hospital in Portugal or Iceland to a hospital at home, in case something happened. 

For insurance, Hopkins checked TravelInsurance.com to find an affordable travel insurance policy. He found coverage through Trawick International that pays up to $50,000 in medical expenses and up to $200,000 for an evacuation.

"I’ve heard good things about them," he said. "Hopefully, we won’t need any of it."

How do I insure my trips?

I'm on the road about 360 days a year, so I'm always thinking about peace of mind. I currently use a Wells Fargo credit card with lots of travel benefits, and I have long-term policies through Faye and Cigna, which have worked fairly well. I also am a long-time Medjet Horizon member. If I rent a car, I turn to Allianz for my primary coverage.

I know – that's a lot of peace of mind. 

But I've also run into trouble and had to use many of those benefits. Medjet got me back home during the pandemic. Cigna covered me after a serious ski accident in Switzerland. My old Allianz policy took care of my medical expenses when I had to see a doctor in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a few years ago.

Like I always say, when it comes to having enough insurance, better safe than sorry.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .