Travel Archives - Australia 2000 Travel

March 1, 2019

Thank You from Dan & Erica Nye

We met with Karen about a year and a half before our Honeymoon trip to Australia and New Zealand. The entire process with her has been fantastic and very fun. We met a couple of times in person during the planning phase and then once more in person right before the trip. During the planning phase most of the correspondence was through email, which she did great at keeping us informed of what our itinerary looked like and what the plan was. She has been very supportive, accommodating, and had great communication (let us know when she would be travelling, how long to expect updates, etc.). She gave us recommendations of the best time to go, things to do/see, and what to expect. The activities and excursions she had us signed up for were incredibly fun and once in a lifetime experiences. All of the travelling went very smoothly and even though we were busy and did a lot of things, Karen still managed to build into the itinerary plenty of time to relax. The scenery and everything we experienced had the perfect amount of romance attached to it as it was our honeymoon.

Our trip started in Sydney (Botanical Gardens, Private Harbour Tour, Bridge Climb, Opera House tour and show), then up to Cairns/Port Douglas (Dive Great Barrier Reef, Rain Forest Resort, Aboriginal Tour), then to Brisbane (Night in the city), then over to Auckland (Hobbitton/Shire tour, Waiheke Island winery tour). Every stop had breath-taking views and awesome guides (majority of time was all private, which helped make everything more romantic). All of the flights, airport pickups, and excursion drop-offs were right on time and went perfectly.

The 2 and a half weeks spent in the land down under will be remembered and cherished forever. We’re planning on going back every 5 years to celebrate our anniversaries and as long as Karen is still doing travel arrangements we will absolutely go through her.

Thank you again.

Dan & Erica Nye

April 30, 2015

Thank you from Rick Kaufman

Hi Karen,

As Camilla and I wait to board our plane from New Zealand for a long journey home, we write to thank you for putting together a most wonderful six week adventure?in Australia and New Zealand. It?s difficult to choose a favorite spot. I have been to a lot of spectacularly beautiful places in the world but none surpass Lord Howe Island off the coast of New South Wales.

When flying from Sydney to New Zealand we thought nothing could possibly top our initial three weeks in Australia.? We?left with such a love for your country and an appreciation for every single excellent accommodation you provided us.?? Now as we discuss it, we cannot choose between the two countries. Apples and oranges but equally sweet. We leave New Zealand with so much appreciation for this place . . . the beauty just never ends.

Rick Kaufman photo — Photo Credit to Rick Kaufman

Although we were initially worried about all the strenuous activities you had scheduled for us we are extremely glad we missed none of them.? ?Each hike turned out to be truly memorable?- especially the three days on the Routeburn Track that was simply spectacular. ?Every kayak experience was stunning.? We were apprehensive about the seven hour caving and rock climbing adventure in Waitomo but loved it.? We had never done anything like that before.? It was exhilarating, thrilling and we were captivated by the beautiful glow worms.? It was like looking at the Galaxy on a beautiful clear night.

BHE - Bay of Many Coves (from Rick Kaufman) — Bay of Many Coves ~ Photo Credit to Rick Kaufman

This photo is a view from our fabulous cottage at Bay of Many Coves. Another winner. I?ve traveled a lot and this adventure is up there with my best.

You did a great job!

Rick

March 9, 2015

Once in a Lifetime Adventures, Weddings, Honeymoons, Thrill Seeking and Celebratory Journeys are our Specialty!

We create unique trips to Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti & Fiji. Each one lovingly hand-crafted by Aussies & Kiwis to suit the taste and budget of the discerning traveler. Once in a lifetime adventures, weddings, honeymoons, thrill seeking and celebratory journeys are our specialty!

January 28, 2014

Thank you from David & Adrea Benkoff

Dear Karen,

We traveled to Australia and New Zealand for 3 ? weeks on a spectacular tour tailored to our tastes. We hopscotched around Australia from Sydney to Cairns, Ayers Rock to Kangaroo Island. Every stop included personalized tours, wonderful people and terrific wildlife experiences. We even spent a day in Barossa wine country sampling from four wineries.

The scenery in New Zealand was picture postcard perfect. The experiences that Karen provided in Arthur?s Pass, Queenstown and Doubtful Sound highlighted the natural beauty and provided exciting activities such as a Jet Boat Ride, overnight cruise and sheep shearing. We toured with an Aboriginal and Maori guide and experienced their lifestyle first hand.

Whether we had a private tour or joined with others, all the selected tour guides were personable, knowledgeable, and genuinely enjoyable to spend time with.

Australia 2000 made this the adventure of a lifetime.

Thanks, Adrea and David Benkoff

August 6, 2011

Savvy Travelers Turn To Travel Specialists

Many travel professionals have seen a decline in business or have shut their doors altogether as travelers turn to booking their own airline tickets, tours and accommodations online but those who offer specialized service focused on taking the burden off of the traveler are leading the way in this new travel era according to this Washington Post article.

“…For years, it looked as though the travel agent had gone the way of the milkman. As online booking sites such as Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity and others soared in popularity…. The travel agents who have survived have had to change their modus operandi…. And most now have specialties.” Read article…

More than ever people are cautious of spending their hard earned money as the economy slowly rises from recession. More time is being spent at the office with the building pressures in the work arena as so many struggle to keep the jobs they have. With little time and energy left for much else, many simply do not have the time it takes to plan, research and coordinate a well deserved break. Savvy travelers are turning back to travel professionals who can take the burden off of their shoulders to plan a well organized vacation with little or no effort from the traveler.

[Read more…]

December 8, 2010

Thank you from the Pfingsts

Since Australia 2000 Travel arranged our first visit to New Zealand so well, we decided to ask them to help us with a completely new itinerary for our second visit. While we knew we loved New Zealand, we did not expect to be as overwhelmed by the beauty of the place as we were the first time. After all, we were not even going to the spectacular South Island this time. But we were wrong. It seemed as if every time we turned a corner we were viewing new and gorgeous terrain. Beautifully set vineyards and wineries, fascinating farmer?s markets, stunning and pristine ocean beaches, lakes, and rivers were our everyday companions. The friendliness and cheer of the country?s people impressed us again, as did the attentiveness to comfort and aesthetics at each accommodation. We had a wonderful time and were very glad we asked Australia 2000 Travel to take all the work out of our travels.

Ruth and Bryan Pfingst

Traveled to New Zealand December 2010

August 16, 2010

Down Under Adventures Begin Atop Birmingham

Published: Monday, August 16, 2010 by The Oakland Press

Karen Hardy-Hodgson ? a corporate wife armed with a green card and a passion for her homeland ? has developed a thriving international boutique cottage travel business.

When she isn?t jumping out of planes, the Sydney native and Australia 2000 Travel founder can be found going on a walkabout or perched above the downtown Birmingham street scene where she creates ?trip of a lifetime? adventures for her diverse client-base of honeymooners, retirees and adventure-seeking world travelers.”