Travel Tales By Maria
Travel Writer Maria’s first overseas travel experience was one that was forbidden by her strict Greek/Cypriot parents. Want to know more?
But her rebellious nature meant that she took the plunge anyway. Since then, Maria has stepped foot on five continents and plans to conquer the remainder in the not too distant future. The highlights of her travels include getting up close and personal with wildlife in East Africa, absorbing the magnificent sites of Egypt, eating and cooking her way through Vietnam and being mesmerised by bears in
05/06/2023
Last stop in Spain - Barcelona! Barcelona is an art buffs paradise with many art galleries and impressive sites such as Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and La Sagrada Familia. It also has an amazing food scene and all round buzzing vibe 🇪🇸🌎❤️
30/05/2023
3rd stop in Spain - Granada! Main purpose was to visit the famous Alhambra complex which was built between the 9th and 15th centuries. It is considered the 8th wonder of the World and consists of an impressive Nastrid citadel, a magical palace, an intriguing fortress and phenomenal gardens. And it just so happens to be the most visited monument in Spain and rightly so! 🇪🇸🌎❤️
Photo Credit: Sharon Bellamy
28/05/2023
Next stop in Spain - Seville. Seville, or Sevilla as the locals call it, has an eclectic mix of old and new. Packed with historic monuments such as the Seville Cathedral and the Real Alcazar, Seville is a little piece of heaven. A day trip to the White Villages and Ronda are the perfect extension 🇪🇸🌎❤️
Photo Credit: Sharon Bellamy
25/05/2023
It’s time to shed some Icelandic layers and bask in Spanish (almost) summer sunshine ☀️
First stop - Madrid. With its stunning historic buildings and laneways, Madrid is also a very walkable and vibrant city. The diverse culinary choices are second to none. A sneaky day trip to Toledo including a winery visit was the ideal addition. And a trip to Spain could not be complete without a traditional Flamenco show. Salud! 🇪🇸🌎❤️
Photo Credit: Sharon Bellamy
23/05/2023
Our final day in Iceland was spent exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The amazing sights included White Beach, Pebble Beach, the Black Church of Budir and seal spotting! We ended the night in downtown Reykjavik sharing stories from our Icelandic adventures.
Iceland without a doubt has been one of the most unique and breathtaking countries that I’ve been fortunate to visit - it certainly captured a special part of my heart 🇮🇸🌎💙
Photo Credit: Sharon Bellamy
20/05/2023
The last couple of days included cruising through jagged icebergs at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, viewing the stunning East Fjords, chasing mighty waterfalls, a unique farm stay, volcanic Lake Myvatn, geothermal springs, geysers, lava stacks, pseudo craters and caves! Iceland certainly packs it in! 🇮🇸🌎💙
Photo Credit: Sharon Bellamy
18/05/2023
Yesterday we witnessed the powerful Skogafoss waterfall and were able to walk behind and admire up close. A visit to the famous but dangerous Black Beach was next, where the ferocious waves have been known to take peoples lives. The highlight of my day was the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier Walk (try and pronounce that one!). We got kitted up, hiked up to the top and then marveled in the stunning ice caves. It was nothing like I had ever experienced before 🇮🇸🌎💙
Photo Credit: Sharon Bellamy
17/05/2023
Yesterday we left Reykjavik for dust, and ventured to the striking sites of the Golden Circle route on Iceland’s south.
We started by viewing the dramatic tectonic plates at Thingvellir NP. Followed by the raging Geysir at Strokkur erupting 20-30m into the air at what seemed like timed intervals. Then came face to face with Iceland’s biggest waterfall, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. And ended the day with a remote and welcoming farm visit and home for the night at Hvolsvollur 🇮🇸🌎💙
Photo Credit: Sharon Bellamy
15/05/2023
There’s no better place to rediscover the earth’s healing power - Iceland 🇮🇸🌎💙
13/05/2023
Without a doubt this will be the furthest destination for me, involving 3 flights and 28 hours total journey. But will be oh so worth it 🌎😍
12/05/2023
The toughest decision today… red or white 🤷🏻♀️
The right way to start my adventure ahead 🌎
11/11/2022
My recent travels to the stunning Maldives was life changing. Due to childhood trauma, I have always struggled with feeling confident in water above my shoulders. I have always wanted to snorkel but my fears held me back. A mixture of swimming lessons over the past few months, massive support from my amazing friend and travelling companion, Sharon, and heartfelt encouragement and coaching from Nooman at Club Med Kani, allowed me to overcome and face my fears. As terrified as I was, I literally took the plunge into the 30m deep water of the Indian Ocean and for the first time I connected with the underwater world. I swam with sting rays, sharks passed by and I witnessed the beauty of all types of marine life. I can't explain what it was, but something came over me in the Maldives. Perhaps it was the calmness and serenity of this beautiful part of the world, perhaps it was the spontaneity that travelling brings, perhaps I was just ready. But I did it. And I couldn't be happier 😍🐟🏝💙
Photo Credit: Sharon Bellamy
03/11/2022
You asked for it…. Maldives 2022 😍🏝🥳🎉🥂
02/11/2022
The Maldives is without a doubt one of the most magical places I have visited. I’ve never been so grateful to be able to travel 🌎🥳🎉🥂🏝😍
Club Med Kani, Maldives. What better place to celebrate the end of the most challenging time of my career. And what better time to show my appreciation for you-my clients, family and friends for your heartfelt support. Without you I wouldn’t have been able to maintain and sustain my travel business, and do what I love most, arrange your holidays and of course-travel 🥳🎉🌎🥂🏝
Club Med Kani Resort
31/10/2022
We all know that saying 3rd time lucky. First a pandemic got in my way, followed by unexpected elbow surgery (I’ve recovered 🙏🏻). After immense optimism and manisfestation, the perfect time has come. All will be revealed in T-18 hours 🥳🎉🌎🥂🏝
31/10/2022
I can’t believe this is happening 🥳🎉🌎🥂🏝
17/04/2022
May you all have a wonderful and enjoyable Easter 🐣❤️
10/04/2022
I am pleased to share the extraordinary footage captured on my recent 12 hour journey down to the top of Antarctica to view the Southern Lights, aka, Aurora Australis!
Photo Credits:
Lachlan Gardiner (Instagram:)
CameraPro Website / Facebook / Instagram / Youtube
Peter Wallis (Instagram: )
Chimu Adventures
02/04/2022
I’m thrilled to report that my search for the Southern Lights was accomplished 💚✅
Now in search for the Northern Lights 🌏🤔
Professional photos to follow soon!
01/04/2022
In 1 hour I will be boarding a Qantas Dreamliner bound for Antarctica, to witness one of the world’s most fascinating natural phenomenas, the Aurora Australis, often referred to as the Southern Lights! To say I’m ecstatic is an understatement!
😍💚✈️🌏
01/04/2022
I’ve never been more excited to be dropped off! Tonight I embark on a journey to satisfy a lifelong bucket list dream. Watch this space 😍💚✈️🌏
18/02/2022
BREAKING NEWS JUST IN!
WA has just announced their border opening date of 3 March!
Now is the right time and now is the right place. Surely that's something to celebrate about on a Friday afternoon! 🥂😍🌏
https://www.abc.net.au/.../mark-mcgowan.../100843126...
26/01/2022
Happy Australia Day!
06/12/2021
My first published article in a travel magazine has landed!
21/10/2021
My latest NZ Herald writing piece is in!
GO NZ: Why Rotorua is one of the best destinations for solo travel - NZ Herald When you're without a trip buddy, Rotorua is the perfect destination for solo adventures.
24/09/2021
I think it’s time we start talking travel again!
It sounds like a big statement given the lockdowns and stop/starts we've faced recently, but with Australia’s plans to open up once we reach vaccination milestones, we are starting to see some positive signs for the future.
The government has announced Australians will be able to leave without a permit in the coming months, airlines have announced the resumption of international flights before the end of the year, and cruise lines are reporting strong demand from early 2022 all the way through to 2024.
There are still unknowns of exactly what travel will look like when it does restart but I do know it will be different. There will be new considerations that didn’t exist before. I can help to make sure we don’t miss a beat. See below for what you can do now so you’re ready to go when we finally get the green light.
Whatever your reason for dusting off your passport, it's great to be able to look forward to travelling again. If you have some plans in mind that you would like to discuss, even if they are daydreams right now, please give me a call. I look forward to talking travel with you again and booking that long-awaited holiday you deserve.
It might be time to dig out your passport to check that it will still be valid in 2022 and beyond. If it does need to be updated, I recommend putting your application in now as demand is going to grow, which could lead to delays in processing times.
https://www.passports.gov.au/
We will all need to have our Covid-19 vaccination certificates ready to show and submit when required. You can download yours from your Medicare online account through myGov or view via the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/.../how-get-proof
06/09/2021
A little off the grid right now, but thought I would share a story I wrote about a very special place in my heart ❤
https://traveltalesbymaria.com/the-medieval-jewel-of-the-myrtoan-sea/
Follow TravelManagers - Maria Pandalai
18/08/2021
What are the 3 things you miss the most about international travel? I'll kick it off...
1. Learning about cultures
2. Having conversations with the locals
3. Exploring and cooking different food