Australia 2000 Travel

Australia 2000 Travel

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April 8, 2020

Thank you from Karen Peterson

Once my husband and I decided we would take a long awaited trip to Australia and New Zealand, we cracked open the guide books and began the arduous task of deciding where to visit, where to stay, what to see, how do we get there and all of the other logistical nightmares that come with planning a month long trip to a foreign country.

Feeling completely overwhelmed by our options and all the possibilities, we started to contact various travel agencies.  Of course, the large, well- known companies came to mind, but when we spoke with them, we felt as though they wanted to pigeonhole us into the established tours they offered, not a customized itinerary.  We felt disappointment at every turn.

Then a friend, who we had not seen in some time, told us about Karen Hodgson and Australia 2000 Travel.  That changed everything!

Karen, an Aussie living in Detroit, has received numerous awards during her 20+ year tenure as a travel specialist.  After our first conversation, I knew Karen was the agent for us.

She asked all the right questions, listened attentively during our calls, made sure she was meeting all our needs, regardless of how much effort and work she and her team would have to do to make this dream trip a reality.

Karen’s extensive knowledge of these two countries, her creativity (“how about taking a guided tour on a Harley” a highlight of the trip), her recommendations, connections in each town, attention to every detail were unsurpassed. We had a contact in each country who was there to welcome us and intervene if needed. Karen was also available and often emailed just to make sure the trip unfolded as we had imagined it would.

Looking back on our trip, in these troubling, unprecedented times, I am thrilled to say our vacation exceeded our expectations and we are grateful to be able to call to mind all the wonderful experiences we had. It is the perfect escape from the Corona Virus epidemic.

Our thanks to Karen and her team for a lifetime of precious memories. Our only regret???? Not having the pleasure of meeting this extraordinary woman in person. On our bucket list!

Karen Peterson

Article by Hillary / Blog, Testimonial / 100% Pure New Zealand Life-Time Gold Specialists, Australia, Australia 2000 Travel, Australia Travel Agent, Australian Vacation, Detroit's Best Travel Agency, Down Under Vacation, Exce, Guided Tour, Hand selected accommodations, Hand Selected Tour Guides, Karen Hardy Hodgson, Local Knowledge, New Zealand, New Zealand Travel Agent, New Zealand vacation, Premier Aussie Specialist, South Pacific Specialists, Specialist Tour Guides, Travel Agent, Vacation to Australia, Vacation to New Zealand

August 30, 2019

The Face of Australia 2000 Travel ~ Karen Hardy Hodgson. Featured this month as Hour Detroit Magazine?s Faces of Detroit 2019

Australia 2000 Travel weaves a touch of Aussie magic into every Bespoke Luxury Journey, handcrafted for the discerning traveler seeking to explore Australia, New Zealand, and remote South Pacific islands from a unique perspective.

Australia 2000 Travel was established in 1992 by fifth-generation Australian Karen Hardy Hodgson, whose mission is to help travelers discover the South Pacific through a local’s eyes; experience the vibrancy of immersive travel during stress-free journeys tailored to include each person’s specific interests and desires; and take travelers beyond the beaten path, where lifelong memories of wonder are created.

Australia 2000 Travel stands alone with recognition by Tourism Australia as Michigan’s only Premier Aussie Specialist, by Tourism New Zealand as one of Fewer Than Ten North American 100% Pure New Zealand Life-Time Gold Specialists, by elite Luxperience as one of the Top Two-Hundred-Fifty Travel Designers in the World, and by Hour Detroit as Detroit’s Best Travel Agency.

https://www.hourdetroit.com/faces-of-detroit/australia-2000-travel-karen-hardy-hodgson/

 

Article by Hillary / Blog, Featured, Press Releases / 100% Pure New Zealand Life-Time Gold Specialists, 5 Star Trip, Aboriginal Tour, Affluent Traveler, Affluent travelers, Air New Zealand, Anniversary Trip, Art and Wilderness Tours, Aussie Specialists, Aussie Tour Operator, Australia, Australia 2000 Travel, Australia Honeymoon, Australia New Zealand Adventure, Australia Tour, Australia Travel Agent, Australia Trip, Australia Wedding, Australia Wine Festival, Australia's National Landscapes, Australia's North West, Australia's Top End, Australian Aborigines, Australian Coastal Life, Australian Coastal Lifestyle, Australian Gourmet Traveler, Australian Honeymoon, Australian Open, Australian Outback, Australian Vacation, Australian Vineyard, Australian Wedding, Australian Wine, Award Winning Luxury Accommodation, Bespoke Australian Adventure, Bespoke Luxury Journeys, Culinary Tour, Culinary Tours, Cultural Tour, Cultural trip, Custom designed adventure, Custom Itineraries, Customize Honeymoon, Customized Itineraries, Customized Itinerary, Customized Tour, Customized tours, Customized Trip, Customized Wedding, Detroit's Best Travel Agency, Discerning Traveler, Down Under Trip, Dream Trip, Dream Vacation, Escorted tour, Excellent Customer Service, Exceptional Customer Service, Experienced Travelers, Faces of Detroit 2019, Fifth-generation Aussie, Fiji, Fiji Honeymoon, Fiji Wedding, Fijian, FIT, FIT touring, FIT Tours, Food and Wine Tour, Golf Tour, Gourmet tour, Gourmet Walking Tour, Great Walks of Australia, Guided Tour, Hand Selected Tour Guides, Harley Davidson Tour, Highly recommended travel agent, historical walking tour, Hobbiton Tour, Honeymoon Trip, HOUR Detroit, Hour Detroit Magazine, Hour Detroit Magazine's Faces of Detroit, Hour Detroit Magazine's Faces of Detroit 2019, https://www.hourdetroit.com/faces-of-detroit/australia-2000-travel-karen-hardy-hodgson/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/australia-2000-travel, https://www.newzealand.com/us/plan/business/australia-2000-travel/, Iconic Australia, Independent Traveler, Journey, Journeys, Karen Hardy Hodgson, Koala Tour, Lifelong memories, Lord of the Rings Tour, Luxperience, Luxury, Luxury accommodation, Luxury Australia Accommodation, Luxury Australia Hotel, Luxury Boutique Accommodation, Luxury Boutique Hotel, luxury hotel, Luxury Itineraries, Luxury Lodge, Luxury Lodges, Luxury Lodges Of Australia, Luxury Outback Accommodation, Luxury Resorts Australia, Luxury Sydney Accommodation, Luxury Sydney Hotel, Luxury travel, Luxury Travel to Australia, Luxury Travel to New Zealand, Luxury Trip, Luxury Trips, Luxury Vacation, Melbourne Hidden Secrets Tour, Native Aussie, Nature Tour, New Zealand, New Zealand accommodations, New Zealand Food, New Zealand Golf Tour, New Zealand Honeymoon, New Zealand Tour, New Zealand Travel Agent, New Zealand Trip, New Zealand vacation, New Zealand Wedding, One-of-a kind travel experiences, Orientation tour, Personalized Tours, Personalized Trip, Photography Tour, Premier Aussie Specialist, Private Gallery Tour, Private Gallery Tours, Private Garden Tour, Private Garden Tours, Private Tour, Private Tours, Rocks Tour, Safari Tour, Senior Travel, small group tour, small group tours, South Australia, South Pacific, South Pacific Honeymoon, South Pacific islands, South Pacific Specialists, South Pacific Wedding, Specialist Tour Guide, Specialist Tour Guides, Stress free trip, Stress free vacation, Sydney Harbour Tour, Sydney Opera House Tour, Sydney Tour, Tahiti, Tahiti Wedding, Tasting Australia, the face of Australia 2000 Travel, The?Best Travel Agency in Detroit, Top 250 Travel Designer, Top Two-Hundred-Fifty Travel Designers in the World, Tour Australia, Tour Guide, Tour Guides, Tour New Zealand, Tour of Australia, Tour of Fiji, Tour of New Zealand, Tour to Australia, Tourism Australia, Tourism New Zealand, Tours, Travel Agent, Travel arrangements, Travel Designer, Travel Destinations, Travel Down Under, Travel dreams, Travel Expert, travel professionals, Travel Specialists, Travel to Australia, Travel to Fiji, Travel to New Zealand, Travel to Tahiti, Traveler, Travelers, Trip, Trip Down Under, Trip of a Lifetime, Trip to Australia, Trip to Fiji, Trip to New Zealand, Trips to Australia, Unique Accommodation, Unique Itineraries, Unique Shops, Unique Travel Experiences, Vacation, Vacation to Australia, Vacation to New Zealand, Western Australia, Wild Bush Luxury, Wine Tour, Winery Tours, Zookeeper Tour

March 22, 2019

Thank you from Susan Gibbs

Dear Karen,

Our trip was wonderful. We saw beautiful countries, had knowledgeable and energetic guides, and experienced the friendly people of New Zealand and Australia.

Overall the trip was stress free and I attribute that to your detailed planning. The drivers were always there to meet us; the hotels were always ready for us; the guides were always there to pick us up. We had local contacts to address any questions and concerns.

Because we could trust the plan, all we had to do was follow the itinerary and show up. It would be hard to go away for a month and not have any glitches. However, ours were minimal and were resolved quickly.

Thank you for helping to make this a positive, pleasant memory. I would recommend your services without hesitation.

Fondly,

Susan Gibbs

Article by Hillary / Blog, Testimonial / 100% New Zealand Specialist, Accommodation, Aussie Specialists, Australia, Australia New Zealand Adventure, Australia Tour, Australia Travel Agent, Australia Trip, Australian Vacation, Bespoke Australian Adventure, Boutique accommodation, Customized Itineraries, Customized Itinerary, Customized Tour, Customized tours, Customized Trip, Detailed planning, Down Under, Down Under Adventure, Down Under Specialists, Down Under Trip, Energetic guides, Exclusive accommodation, Expert Guides, Guided Tour, Hand selected accommodations, Hand Selected Tour Guides, Karen Hardy Hodgson, Knowledgeable guides, Lands Down Under, Local guides, Luxury accommodation, Luxury Australia Hotel, Luxury Boutique Accommodation, Luxury Boutique Hotel, Luxury Travel to Australia, Luxury Travel to New Zealand, Maori Guide, New Zealand, New Zealand accommodations, New Zealand Travel Agent, New Zealand Trip, New Zealand vacation, Personal Guide, Personalized Itinerary, Premium Aussie Specialist, Private Airport Transfer, Private Guide, Private Guides, Private Tour, Private Tours, Private Transfer, Specialist Tour Guide, Specialist Tour Guides, Stress free trip, Stress free vacation, Superb Accommodation, Tour Australia, Tour Guide, Tour Guides, Tour New Zealand, Tour of Australia, Tour of New Zealand, Tour to Australia, Tour to New Zealand, Travel Down Under, Travel to Australia, Travel to New Zealand, Trip Down Under, Trip to Australia, Trip to New Zealand, Trips to Australia, Unique Accommodation, Vacation to Australia, Vacation to New Zealand

March 15, 2019

Thank you from Aileen Rothbard

Photo Credit to Aileen Rothbard

We are home and already missing our wonderful experiences. We adored New Zealand. The trip was executed seamlessly with all your connections as planned. Guides, hotel/B&Bs, transport perfect. Thank you for an exceptional experience.

Best regards,

Aileen

Article by Hillary / Blog, Testimonial / 100% New Zealand Specialist, Air New Zealand, B&B, Boutique Hotel, Customized Itineraries, Customized Tour, Customized tours, Customized Trip, Exceptional Experience, Expert Guides, Guided Tour, Hand Selected Tour Guides, Limousine transfer, Local guides, Luxury Boutique Hotel, luxury hotel, Luxury Travel to New Zealand, New Zealand, New Zealand accommodations, New Zealand Tour, New Zealand Travel Agent, New Zealand Trip, New Zealand vacation, Personal Guide, Private Guide, Private Guides, Private Transfer, Specialist Tour Guide, Specialist Tour Guides, Tour Guide, Tour Guides, Tour New Zealand, Tour of New Zealand, Tour to New Zealand, Travel to New Zealand, Trip to New Zealand, Unique Travel Experiences, Vacation to New Zealand

March 8, 2019

Thank you from Tim Heyden

Dear Karen & Hillary,

Photo Credit to Tim Heyden

Thank you so much for putting together such a great trip for us. We really appreciate all the bottles of wine, chocolates, nice cards and notes you sent.

Our birthday celebration was a terrific day all around, we loved our cruise and lunch, thanks for making it all so perfect for us (I’m telling everyone about the sparkling Shiraz)!

All our accommodations, guides and hosts were top notch. Of course, the most exciting parts were probably petting the kangaroos and seeing koalas up close on Kangaroo Island. Jackie and I also just loved the Lord of the Rings tour  it was just what we were hoping for.

Thanks for an adventure we’ll never forget!

Tim Heyden

Article by Hillary / Blog, Testimonial / 100% New Zealand Specialist, Accommodation, Adventure, Aussie Adventure, Aussie Tour Operator, Australia 2000 Travel, Australia New Zealand Adventure, Australia Tour, Australia Travel Agent, Australian Vacation, Award Winning Luxury Accommodation, Bespoke Australian Adventure, Birthday Celebration, Boutique accommodation, Custom designed adventure, Customized Tour, Customized tours, Down Under Adventure, Escorted tour, Exclusive accommodation, Expert Guides, Guided Tour, Hand selected accommodations, Hand Selected Tour Guides, Hobbiton Tour, Kangaroo Island, Kangaroos, Karen Hardy Hodgson, Koala Tour, Lord of the Rings, Lord of the Rings Tour, Luxury accommodation, Luxury Australia Accommodation, Luxury Sydney Accommodation, Luxury Travel to Australia, Luxury Travel to New Zealand, Nature In Australia, Nature Tour, New Zealand, New Zealand Tour, New Zealand Travel Agent, New Zealand Trip, New Zealand vacation, Once in a Lifetime Adventure, Personal Guide, Personalized Tours, Premier Aussie Specialist, Private Guide, Private Guides, Private Tour, Private Tours, small group tour, small group tours, Specialist Tour Guide, Specialist Tour Guides, Superb Accommodation, Sydney, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Cruise, Sydney Harbour Tour, Tour Australia, Tour Guide, Tour Guides, Tour New Zealand, Tour of Australia, Tour of New Zealand, Tour to Australia, Tour to New Zealand, Travel to Australia, Travel to New Zealand, Trip to Australia, Trips to Australia, Vacation to Australia, Vacation to New Zealand

February 2, 2018

Thank you from Dawn and Phil Minch

Photo Credit to Dawn & Phil Minch

Thank you, Australia 2000. Our trip and wedding that was orchestrated by your team was everything we could have dreamed and more. From the moment we landed in Sydney, every detail of our travel was exquisite. The escort company that Australia 2000 selected, met us at the airport, took us on our tour of Sydney and transported us to airports were professional, friendly and informative. The owner, Karen, made sure that our accommodations were top notch. Radisson Blue was within walking distance of the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, the Rocks and so much more in Sydney. She extended our trip in Australia to include Tasmania, where we stayed at a transformed cannery, The Henry Jones, located on the bay. The d?cor was old world charm with contemporary room accommodations. It was one of the many highlights of our visit to Australia.

Karen knew that we have a passion for wine and opera and incorporated this into our vacation. She arranged a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House and tickets to an outdoor stage performance of ?Turandot?. The evening included dinner at the Platinum Club, a moving performance and fireworks during the opera. They were many more delightful experiences in Sydney but I must move on to Tasmania and share that portion of our trip also. This is where Karen and Australia 2000 fused our love of wine and our wedding during our trip.

Photo Credit to Dawn & Phil Minch

My husband and I had a fleeting thought of the possibility of eloping during our trip to Australia and shared this with Karen. From that thought a beautiful wedding was created and performed at a winery in Tasmania, Frogmore Creek, by a celebrant that was handpicked from many interviewed, Bridget. This was all done by the expert minds at Australia 2000. The vineyard wedding was followed a 14-course luncheon at the winery.

Photo Credit to Dawn & Phil Minch

The next day we departed for our memorable rustic honeymoon on Maria Island, a beautiful National Park, for 4 days and 3 nights. I must explain that Maria Island has been reborn as a well-maintained haven for hikers and campers. Accessible only by boat, my husband and I comfortably experienced the wilds of Australia as we were chaperoned by guides that cooked, nursed and shared their knowledge of the island while we trekked.? If you have ever heard the term or dreamed of ?glamping? you must experience this part of our trip.? Everything was 5-star from the guides, meals, rugged huts and evenings with candelabras and wine. ??By the way, we did ?see the southern cross for the first time? while on the island!? The boat picked us up after our last breakfast on Maria and whisked us off to the Hobart airport for a quick flight back to Sydney.

We had one more night at the Radisson Blue and spent the evening relaxing and discussing how soon we could come back. ?We were saddened when our driver arrived at the hotel in the morning to take us to the airport and send us home. I will finish with, ?of all trips we?ve ever taken, this trip of two weeks in Australia is the only one that we still remember every single moment?. I could not include them all in this letter.

Thank you, Karen and Australia 2000 team, for all the efforts that went into the arrangements and ensuring that every detail of our trip was 5-star plus.

Article by Hillary / Blog, Testimonial / 14-course luncheon, 5 Star Trip, Australia, Australia 2000 Travel, Australia Wedding, Australian Wedding, Camping, Customized Wedding, Destination Wedding, Dream wedding, Food and Wine, Frogmore Creek, Guided Tour, Hiking, Hobart, Karen Hardy Hodgson, Maria Island, Maria Island Walk, National Parks, Platinum Club, Radisson Blu, Royal Botanic Gardens, Southern Cross, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tour, Tasmania, The Henry Jones, The Rocks, Tour Guides, Tour of Australia, Tour of Sydney, Travel to Australia, Trip to Australia, Vineyard, Wedding Ceremony, Wine, Winery

February 2, 2018

Thank you from Dr. Rachel Polando

This latest trip with students, my third with a class, could not have been more perfect!? Every detail was taken care of and we could just enjoy the beauty and wonder of Australia.? The students could not get enough snorkeling at Michaelmas Cay, I had to chase them back to the boat.? ?They could not believe all the wonders of the Aboriginal culture of the Kuku Yalanji, our guide, Juan Walker was one of a kind.? We learned more that day than we could in a week of lecture.? Our magnificent trip ended in Sydney with a fabulous tour of Sydney Opera House and ?a walking tour of the city.? We were also lucky enough to enjoy the beauty of the bush in the Blue Mountains.? All of our guides and transportation was excellent, it was almost like we were family.? This trip would not be possible without the knowledge and dedication of Karen and her staff, they put all of their effort into making a once in a lifetime trip possible!

Dr. Rachel Polando

Associate Professor of Biology Manchester College Indiana

 

Article by Hillary / Blog, Testimonial / Aboriginal culture, Australia, Australia 2000 Travel, Australia Trip, Blue Mountains, Guided Tour, Juan Walker, Kuku Yalanji, Michaelmas Cay, Once in a Lifetime Adventure, Snorkeling, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tour, Tour Guide, Tour of Australia, Tour of Sydney, Travel to Australia, Trip to Australia

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