Trip of a Lifetime Archives - Australia 2000 Travel

September 25, 2019

Thank you from Christine Riggle

Bula Karen and Hillary,

To say that Faith and I loved Savasi Island is an understatement. Words can’t describe how wonderful it was. The entire staff were so friendly they felt like family and it was very hard to say goodbye. We were enormously lucky to have the yoga instructor all to ourselves the first week. Very quickly she became one of our favorite people and we looked forward to spending time with her everyday. The Cora Villa was awesome. Although very close to the main building and another villa it was very private. The infinity pool was beyond words. When we weren’t in the pool, we were swimming at one of beaches. We enjoyed every minute and wouldn’t hesitate to return.

Vinaka vakalevu for finding Savasi. It exceeded our expectations and we left happy, relaxed and a little sad for having to leave.

Christine

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/

August 2, 2019

What is the Meaning of Luxury Travel?

Luxury travel commences when the discerning traveler meets a passionate, knowledgeable travel designer who specializes in handcrafting bespoke, luxury journeys to a specific part of the world, based upon each traveler’s interests and desires.

At Australia 2000 Travel we focus on luxury travel to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands, notably Fiji.

In visiting those countries annually I meet the locals, select boutique accommodations, choose the quintessential vibrant, private tour guide, move beyond the cities, seek the usual from a unique perspective.

As a travel designer I ask travelers, ‘”what” makes your eyes sparkle and your heart sing? And so begins the magic of creating individual, one-of-a-kind, stress-free, immersive travel experiences. Experiences that could include waking in a luxury tent at sunrise to see water buffalo walking by glistening in the sun after an early morning swim, dining in a local’s home, private wine tastings with the local vintner, visiting sacred indigenous sites, helicopter flights over Lord of The Rings country, firework displays at New Year, private garden, gallery and museum tours, diving on a glorious Fijian island.

I’m considered one of the top 250 travel designers in the world and recognized by Tourism Australia and Tourism New Zealand for my expertise. We take care of every single detail. All travelers need do is show up and be prepared for a good time. Past clients often say I helped them create the best trip of their lives. Now that’s luxury travel.

Vinaka vinaka, Nga Mihi, Cheers

Karen Hardy Hodgson

President

Australia 2000 Travel

Creating Bespoke Luxury Journeys to Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Islands

July 26, 2018

Thank you from Natalie Robinson

Karen planned the perfect trip of a lifetime for our family of 5 (kids are age 22, 19 and 16) for our 30th wedding anniversary. It had been a dream of mine to visit Australia and although I usually plan and book all our trips I wanted to make sure that I sought expert opinion for this one. I had a couple of initial meetings with Karen where we discussed preferences and options and budget and Karen then put together an initial plan. I would say our final trip consisted of 95% of Karen’s suggestions.

We stayed in 5 different locations in Australia and New Zealand and they were all superb from the flights, accommodation to the airport pick ups and drop offs to the excursions. The majority of our excursions were private with an expert driver/guide who looked after us extremely well. Our highlights of the trip were Orpheus, just paradise! Sydney harbour tour with lunch, Queenstown is a beautiful city and our accommodation at Millbrook was fantastic. Doubtful Sound is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited and the tour was very well planned. The least interesting city we stayed in was Auckland but it was worth it for our day trip to Waiheke (an island 35 minutes ferry ride from Auckland) with another expert guide where we visited wineries and olive groves.

This trip slightly exceeded our initial budget but it was well worth it to have the expert planning and attention from Karen and her team in Australia and New Zealand and to have so many exceptional experiences. I would recommend Australia 2000 to anyone looking to travel to Australia and New Zealand.

April 1, 2017

Thank you from Patti and Howard Taxe

Hi Karen,

We wanted to let you know how truly fabulous our trip to Australia and New Zealand has been. Both countries showed us a great time – the hotels, tours, hospitality shown by Gary and Dietske at The Manse?I really could go on and on. ??This was a trip of a lifetime. Howard and I always felt we were in great hands. Thank you again for planning such a diverse, well rounded, fun, educational and carefree vacation for us!? We are grateful to have worked with you and Wendy.? We are experienced travelers who have visited many countries on our bucket list.? This is the first trip we have taken where we feel a burning desire to make a return visit to explore new areas and meet even more of the laid back friendly locals.?

Howard & Patti Taxe

May 14, 2015

A Trip of a Lifetime to Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti or Fiji is Waiting for You!

We have been honored to create A Trip of a Lifetime for hundreds of travelers.? Don’t put off planning your very own Bespoke Adventure to the Lands Down Under for someday…Someday is TODAY.? Your personal adventure commences immediately!? One where every aspect of your breathtaking journey is designed to suit your personal dreams, desires and interests.? We Will Exceed Your Expectations.

Thank you Karen and the Australia 2000 crew, your meticulous planning and adherence to each and every detail made our family trip both exceptional and stress-free.? Thank you again for helping us plan the trip of a lifetime. We will never forget the experiences and adventures we had in New Zealand. ~Carollo Family

We wanted the vacation of a lifetime and we certainly had just that.? Thank you for your expertise in helping us select momentous excursions.? Everything went like clockwork.? Sincerely, Cheryl Racklin

Robinet Sounds of Silence Dinner AYQ (resized) — Photo Credit to The Robinet Family

Our trip to Australia and New Zealand was the trip of a lifetime and one that none of us will forget. Thank you for exceeding our expectations. Australia and New Zealand truly were spectacular places to visit. Sincerely, The Robinet Family

We truly loved every tour and the tour operators were amazingly the best. I would recommend this exact trip to anyone I know! Thanks for making this trip a dream of a lifetime for us!? Denise Socia

Kraemer #3 NZ Trip 2014 — Photo Credit to Helmut & Marlies Kraemer

We spent 5 incredible weeks in New Zealand! The experience was once in a lifetime!? Fondly?..Marlies and Helmut Kraemer

Karen, Great job on all of your planning! ??You exceeded my expectations.? You made our trip a lifetime?memory!? Melissa Lange-Kaufman

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

Susan Redelfs - fishing — Photo Credit to The Redelfs Family

Our family had a wonderful time in Australia, and would highly recommend Australia 2000 Travel. ?Everything was so organized and well planned, and all the guides and staff were extremely friendly. Thanks again for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will cherish.? Rich, Susan and Rachel Redelfs

April 30, 2015

Customize a Wedding or Honeymoon to Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti or Fiji with the Down Under Specialists at Australia 2000 Travel

Our customer service, extensive local knowledge of each destination and twenty three?years spent developing relationships with our hand selected tour guides and unique boutique accommodation owners and hosts set us apart.? Nothing about Australia 2000 Travel is cookie cutter.? Dreams come true. Memories are created that last for a lifetime.?

Jim Krystal Brown - OZ Wedding — Photo Credit to Jim & Krystal Brown

“Thank you to the staff of Australia 2000 for making this a trip of a lifetime for our wedding/honeymoon.? We couldn’t have asked for it to be more perfect!? The attention to detail was phenomenal and we can’t wait to contact you again for an anniversary trip!” Jim & Krystal Brown

?Hi Karen, We?re back! You put together a wonderful itinerary for us. The honeymoon was fantastic, wonderful and spectacular!!! Did I mention that we really enjoyed ourselves??? Everything went off without a hitch. Your staff we met throughout our journey couldn?t have been any friendlier! We felt relaxed and at ease our entire trip. We hope to come back some day!? Thank you so much for a wonderful and unforgettable three weeks.?? Dan & Erin Garfin

Dave & Crystal Geiser OZ DEC 2014 — Photo Credit to Crystal & Dave Geiser

?Australia is such a large country and we had no idea how to start the process of planning a honeymoon that would cover all the highlights.? The Australia 2000 team took over and created us the most phenomenal, carefree honeymoon we could ask for!? They really?took into account our active lifestyle and personalities to make sure we were busy rafting, scuba diving, hiking, etc. while getting to see several of the diverse ecosystems around Australia.? All in one trip we were able to see Cairns, Ayers Rock, Kangaroo Island, and Sydney!? It was a perfect mix of city and nature with no worries for us as far as logistics of transportation (air, land and sea)!? It was the best decision I could have made to put the planning of this trip in the hands of these talented professionals and I would definitely go to them again for our next adventure (New Zealand is looking pretty awesome?)!? Crystal & Dave Geiser

Greg & Ashley Walker Honeymoon #2 - Fiji & OZ May 2014 — Photo Credit to Greg & Ashley Walker

?Hi Karen! Passing through the Adelaide Airport and just wanted to let you and the team know we are having an amazing adventure. Everything has been perfect.?? Greg & Ashley Walker

?Much appreciation on the hard work of setting up our honeymoon. We had such a great time and felt that Australia became a part of us. We just did not want to leave. We will have memories for a lifetime.? Aaron & Anna Spork

Aaron & Anna Spork Aussie Honeymoon - April 2010 — Photo Credit to Aaron & Anna Spork

“We had such an amazing trip to New Zealand that we didn’t want to come home!?? The food was great and the atmosphere everywhere we went was so hospitable and inviting! Everyone was very nice and gave us well wishes on our recent marriage. We definitely want to go back and see some of the places we didn’t get to this time.? Thanks again for organizing this trip for us. It will truly be something we will never forget.”? Mike & Jess Wiley

March 11, 2013

Thank you from The Robinet Family

Dear Karen,

We can?t thank you enough for putting together such a wonderful itinerary for us. Our trip to Australia and New Zealand was the trip of a lifetime and one that none of us will forget.

From Green Island to Ayers Rock to Sydney to Queenstown, we have memories of the most beautiful places we?ve ever seen. The adventures you chose for us were terrific.? From snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef to the Sounds of Silence dinner and camel ride at sunrise in Ayer?s Rock from Bridgeclimb, New Year?s Eve festivities and sailing on Sydney Harbour in Sydney to ziplining and bungy jumping in Queenstown, New Zealand, etc., everything was fantastic!

We?re already talking of going back! We booked this trip because we wanted to do a big family trip before our oldest son goes away to college. Thank you for exceeding our expectations. Australia and New Zealand truly are spectacular places to visit. The Aussie?s & Kiwi?s are wonderful too! They really know how to enjoy life and they made sure that we enjoyed it too. Thank you to you and your staff.

Sincerely,

The Robinet Family

November 22, 2012

Thank you from Denise

We truly loved every tour and the tour operators were a amazingly the best. I would recommend this exact trip to anyone I know! Thanks for all your staff’s help in making this trip a dream of a lifetime for us!

Denise

November 26, 2011

Thank you from Paul & Norene

G’day Mate,

Our month visiting the Lands Down Under was truly the trip of a lifetime!

You did a great job putting together a mix of wonderful B & B’s, hotels and lodges, along with some excellent guides. We had a chance to meet some lovely people in both Australia and New Zealand, and our only regret was not being able to stay a little longer in each country.

Regards,

Paul & Norene