Kerry Cleasby TravelManagers Australia

I am currently at Club Med Kiroro Peak, experiencing what spring skiing in Japan and Club Med offers. Kiroro Peak is located in Hokkaido on the West Coast, a region similar to Niseko. It has great powder snow due to the weather coming straight from Siberia.
Should you consider spring skiing in Japan? How late is too late? Club Med Kiroro doesn't close until 5 May 24.
The Fors
- the slopes are almost empty, with no queues.
- Prices are lower, and spring skiing specials apply.
- You don't get cold like you do when skiing in Japan during winter.
The Against
- While the snow cover is still ok, you don't get that light, fluffy powder that winter offers, so your legs work much harder to turn.
- You can get rain; no one wants to ski in the rain.
- With less snow around, you don't get that winter wonderland feeling you get when everything is white.

My thoughts... this is not for an experienced skier. If you have skied Japan powder before or skied Europe or North America, I think you would be too spoilt for spring skiing(of course, every year can be different). It feels very much like most of my ski trips in Australia.
However, this could be a really great time for beginners or families trying to reduce the cost of a family ski holiday.

Are you ready to book this year's ski holiday? Let's chat. I can help you get this underway. I am offering free 30-minute consultations starting next week.
You can book yours here.

https://calendly.com/kerry-cleasby/japan-ski-holiday-phone-consultations

I know..I know. I’m travelling again. Your probably about to un-follow.😬But I just couldn’t resist the opportunity to see Club Med Kiroro Peak and get a little spring skiing in Japan again. I will be working between runs⛷️just email if needed and back next Sunday.

This is my No1 favourite camp in Zimbabwe right now. 🐘

I was recently asked to be a guest author on Traveltalk, Australia's travel industry magazine, where I wrote about my recent trip to Antarctica. Click here if you would like to read my story.

Why Kerry Took One For The Travel Team - TravelTalk Winning the trip of a lifetime is everybody’s travel dream…or is it? TravelManagers Personal Travel Manager KERRY CLEASBY explains why she had to think twice about a voyage to one of the world’s most exciting destinations.

We spent 3 nights in the Serengeti National Park and stayed at 2 different properties. 1 Night at a mobile Migration Camp in the South (Ndutu region) and two nights in a beautiful lodge in the North called Lamai Serengeti.

If you are keen to experience the Migration, then some careful planning at the booking stage should maximize your chances. Depending on the time of year you will be in Africa, dictates where you should stay for the best chance to be close. As we were in the Serengeti in March, the area around Ndutu in Southern Serengeti was the best place to be and a mobile Migration camp allows for a more precise position. The last shot shows a map of the migration.

I have included some photos of our mobile camp. It was very comfortable, however quite wild. It is open to any wildlife, you must be escrorted to/from your tent once it is dark. Power is limited, the showers are heated buckets of water and the toilet is a drop style. However they have great food, drinks, service, and comfy beds.

While in this area we had some amazing lion encourters and could not get over the sheer number of animals on the move. This was especially mind blowing from a hot air balloon.

I am running a little late with my property updates due to some patchy wifi in the last couple of lodges. But here is where we inspected and stayed in Ngorongoro.

We stayed at the remote rimtop Nomad property called Entamanu Lodge. The beauty of this property is its location, right on the rim of the caldera, looking into the crater for sunrise and then from the other side of the lodge looking into the Serengeti for sunset, all set under ancient acacia trees.

We had 2 nights here, which is what I would recommend and spent almost a full day exploring the crater floor. Entamanu Lodge has a relationship with a nearby Maasi village where we were invited to visit. They danced, sang, jumped, made fire and showed us their cows and living arrangments.

The Ngorororo Crater can get a little touristy and overcrowded as it is a small area and a place everyone wants to see so to experience this with Nomad gave us the chance to escape the crowd and enjoy the incredible beauty and nature.

Our first stop on our camp inspection tour is the Tarangire National Park in Northern Tanzania.
It is considered second only to the Serengeti in its concentration of wildlife. Well known for big herds of buffalo, elephant that stand picturesquely beneath the spreading branches of baobabs and prides of lazy lion sprawled in the shade of acacia scrub.

Our accommodation was the small and remote Kuro Tarangire Camp, which is set amid a grove of Acacia and Kigelia trees close to the Tarangire River.
Nomad have created a camp with a light footprint. That's not to say that it isn't comfortable, though. Six light and stylish safari rooms are complete with comfortable beds, en-suite indoor and outdoor bucket showers and flushing loos. There is a family tent with two en-suite bedrooms and an adjoining corridor which is zipped up at night to make it safe for little ones to reach their parents should they need to. They rest amongst the trees with views over the African bush. You will gather to share meals and relax under the cool grass thatch of the open-sided lounge and dining area which is furnished with hides and canvas, brought to life with a touch of colourful and tactile textiles, all inspired by the Maasai..

We had some great wildlife sightings, considering how high the grass is due to quite a bit of recent rain.

I am about to board a flight to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania to begin a 2-week safari inspecting the properties of Prestige Safaris. These photos are just a bit of a tease for what is to come. I have my camera, my longest lens and my safari outfits. I'm really looking forward to sharing some of my photos and African stories here in the coming weeks. Back to my favourite place.

BRISBANE CLIENTS - PLEASE JOIN ME.
🌍✨ Embark on a Polar Adventure! Join Us for an Exclusive Antarctica & Arctic Information Night with Aurora Expeditions ✨🌍
Are you dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Antarctica or the Arctic? 🚢❄️ We've got an extraordinary evening planned just for you!
📅 Date: February 20
🕕 Time: Either 2pm or 6pm
📍 Location: Waters Edge Portside Hamilton
🔍 Discover the Uncharted:
Get ready to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of polar exploration! Join Expedition Leader John Kirkwood and the Aurora Expeditions team for an unforgettable information night. Gain insights into expedition life in the Polar regions, learn about their specially curated itineraries, and purpose-built ships and explore the best times to embark on your adventure.
🛳️ Highlights of the Evening:
Insider Insights: Learn from the experts about cruising to Antarctica and the Arctic.
Personalized Guidance: Our experienced staff will be on hand to help you make informed decisions about itinerary choices and optional activities.
Exclusive Discounts: Attendees receive a special 5% discount on future bookings!
🎟️ RSVP Today: reply to this post your interest or message me.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to turn your wanderlust into a Polar adventure! 🌐❤️

Some are not too sure about a cruise to Antarctica because crossing the Drake Passage can be rough. Although many crossings are not too bad including my recent trip, both ways were very easy. There is now another option, to fly across the Drake to King George Island, where you will join your ship. Have a look at this great video by Lindblad on what you can expect.

Fly the Drake Passage: A New Way to Discover Antarctica | Lindblad Expeditions Beginning Nov. 2024, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic will expand our portfolio of Antarctica expeditions to fly and sail the legendary Drake Passage.

I love to share unique "off the beaten path" holiday ideas. Small ships and expedition-style cruises allow you to get into remote parts of the world that can be challenging to travel comfortably in any other way. This is a good example... Pawdaw's river cruise explores some of India's most intriguing and isolated areas seeing wildlife and culture in a way so few travellers ever will. Send me a quick message if this interests you. Only a few cabins are left from the 2 exclusive departures in April and May 2024.

Sustainable tourism is now a prerequisite for all travel operators I engage for my client's holidays. You can't travel to the world's most precious places without returning an environmental warrior. I am sharing a newsletter by one of my favourite African travel companies with some significant progress that is being made for our wildlife. Such a beautiful read for the end of 2023.

A GOOD YEAR | 10 Good News Stories of 2023 It is all too easy to become overwhelmed by the myriad dramas & tragedies of the daily news. Fortunately, 2023 has also been a year of many good news stories. Here are 10 wonderful happenings from the last year, giving hope of a brighter future for wildlife, the environment, & indigenous communities...

To all my valued clients,
As your personal travel manager, I’m so glad I had the privilege of arranging travel or providing travel inspiration to you in 2023. As a small business owner, I never take the support of my wonderful clients for granted – thank you!
Some of you have already locked in plans for 2024, and some of you are waiting to see where the new year takes you. Either way, I look forward to being part of the journey.
May this Christmas and New Year bring you much joy, laughter and happiness, spent with those closest to you.
Warm regards,
Kerry
Your Personal Travel Manager

City of contrasts and contradictions, tango, amazing red wine and food.

Falling into this glass of bubbles after the huge effort that is always my life pre travel. Thank you to all my travelling clients who worked with my pushy emails as we tied up a few loose ends. Buenos Aires and Antarctica here we come.🐄 🧊 Follow my trip here and Instagram.

Save the date, Tue 14th and Wed 15th of November is one event you won’t want to miss!
Join representatives from a range of suppliers at TravelManagers first ever ever-virtual travel expo
Learn about some of our preferred suppliers in 30-minute virtual sessions where they’ll discuss their latest products, and any exciting news and introduce exclusive deals on offer this black Friday, exclusive to TravelManagers. You’ll also be able to ask questions directly to the representatives.
Would you like to no more about one of more of these operators?

Travelmarvel

Entire Travel Group

Wendy Wu Tours

Silversea

Explore Worldwide

Journey Beyond

TAUCK

Oceania Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Collette

Ponant

Princess Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Intrepid Travel

Holland America Line

Windstar Cruises

Contiki

Check out the sessions and register your interest by clicking the link in the comments below.
Don't forget to put me as your Personal Travel Manager so I can help you as needed!

In just over 4 weeks, I'll be boarding an expedition ship in Ushuaia, Argentina to cross the formidable Drake Passage, bound for the 7th Continent, Antarctica. Several of my colleagues and clients are currently there, and as I watch their social media, I am finally letting myself get swept away by the excitement of a trip I never dreamed I would be able to do. I look forward to being your Antarctica expert 🌍❄️

Most of us wouldn't consider travelling without travel insurance, but you also need to have the right type. If your schoolies are heading to Bali and might jump on a moped, ensure this inclusion is ticked on their policy. I can help you get the right travel insurance even if you haven't booked any travel with me. https://covermoreconnect.com.au/bringing-our-schoolies-home-safe-from-bali-what-they-need-to-know-about-motorcycle-cover/

The favourite part of my job is hearing my clients travel stories when they get home. Graham and Mel, probably my fittest and bravest travellers were up for every adventure I suggested. Canoeing on the Zambezi, white water rafting and getting a very up close view of Victoria Falls from the devils pools. Love designing holidays for you two😎

Loved my recent stay in Christchurch.

Cruising can be a polarising topic amongst travellers, synonomous with large ships and fast-paced itineraries, visiting well known attractions only. However, cruising can also be slow, authentic and quiet. This is where small cruise vessels, with a maximum of 34-72 passengers, come in.
Swim spots
If there's a reason to book a cruise on a smaller ship, it's for the unrivalled swimming opportunities. Escape the overcrowded beaches and drop anchor at spectacular, secluded spots only accessible by smaller cruise vessels. Our Jewels of the Cyclades tour takes you to a range of secret swimming spots, including uninhabited Poliegos (off the coast of popular Milos) and the celebrity hideaway of Antiparos.

https://youtu.be/yhxxuauTW4U
What is a hide? Check this out.

Imvelo Safari Lodges - Imvelo's "Look-Up" photography blinds Imvelo Safari Lodges "Look Up Blinds!". With all the active waterholes in Hwange, Imvelo installed two water-level photography blinds – at Stophie’s pan near...

Todays client research. Sound on!. I've been looking into the right balance of safari lodges for a family and this lodge looks like a winner. I love to design your holiday to start with a high. If possible, be somewhere incredible for your first night, not just a boring airport hotel. How about dinner with elephants in Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe on your first night in Africa?
Did you know Hwange NP is bigger than the Serengeti and that it is home to approximately 46 000 elephants, compared with Masai Mara at 3700.

Imvelo Safari Lodges - Nehimba Lodge - Elephants Bush TV A very special feature of Nehimba Lodge in the dry season are the huge numbers of elephants who drink from the lodge swimming pool, located just meters away ...