Destination Spotlight-Curacao

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A place in the Caribbean that I would highly recommend escaping to would be Curacao.

Curacao is filled with an abundance of color and has breath taking beautiful Dutch architecture. I personally visited Curacao in February of 2004 and fell in love with the beauty of this island and her waters. I still have plans to return someday to this island filled with spectacular color and wonderful hospitality.

Curacao is an island that takes pride in their rich multicultural heritage.

For those celebrating their love, they’ll find pristine beaches and secluded romantic coves. For those that enjoy the world below, Curacao is home to some of the best diving and snorkeling around with rare corals and marine life in water as clear as the air. There are marvelous hotels, exciting nightlife, casinos, international cuisine and fantastic duty-free shopping to suite every style of traveler. Even the history buffs can enjoy a tour through the historic countryside mansions, called “landhuizen”.

Many ships port in Curacao creating a perfect lazy day pastime while enjoy watching them all sail in and out of port. Curacao lies outside the hurricane belt and has virtually no rainy days, with an annual average temperature of 82°F. The island provides a variety of different resorts for your stay. You have the choice between European, Boutique or All-Inclusive properties. The Hilton Caribe is featured in the photo. There truly is a bit of something for everyone’s taste.

While I was in Curacao, I stayed in a family friendly all-inclusive resort, while there I par took in some snorkeling which I highly recommend you try. The waters were so clear and blue. I enjoyed going into town to do some site seeing and shopping. I must say this is a must! The locals were so friendly, and there were such a variety of places to shop from outlets, to collector’s shops to specialty boutiques to explore. My favorite part of my time in Curacao, all the fabulous colors around you. No matter where you look, with every turn, the buildings, the landscape, the waters from sunrise and sunset are brilliant. I would encourage you to add Curacao to your bucket list. For me, I can’t think of a better place to escape

Fun Fact: Curaçao is a true multicultural mixture of 55 different nationalities. The majority of it’s residents speak at least four different languages – English, Spanish, Dutch and their own Papiamento.


Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Andrea WardDestination Spotlight-Curacao
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Glenrowan-Home of Ned Kelly

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Glenrowan-Home of Ned Kelly can be found in the state of Victoria.

 

Are you familiar with our US History? Specifically do you recall in your history lessons the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral? It was an infamous shootout in the American West during the late 1800s in the town of Tombstone, Arizona. I mention it because it was exactly what I thought of when I was introduced to Ned Kelly on my first visit to Australia. The whole trip was a reminder of how closely tied our histories are with Australia despite being located on opposite ends of the world.


Like our own famous “Cowboys” from the Gunfight, Australia had its own shootout with its “Bushrangers”, led by the outlaw Ned Kelly.

Ned and his gang had been alluding the police for two years, but in 1880 they had their final showdown in Glenrowan. Kelly was not shot, but taking into custody. He was convicted and sentenced to death. His last words are reportedly said to have been “such is life.”

He still stands as a cultural icon and one of the most written about Australians in Australia. Some sympathizing and seeing him more of Robin Hood then the outlaw and murderous villain he was convicted of being.

Journalist Martin Flanagan wrote:
“What makes Ned a legend is not that everyone sees him the same—it’s that everyone sees him. Like a bushfire on the horizon casting its red glow into the night.” From <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ned_Kelly>

What else is great about making a stop in Glenrowan to see Ned?

You can tie your history lesson to one of Australia’s well known and oldest wine regions dating back to 1870. The area has 13 growers and 7 cellar doors. Shiraz is the main wine produced along with delightful fortified wines. A winery worth making a stop and taste at is Baileys of Glenrowan. They have been in the wine business for 145 years with a spectacular site in the Warby Ranges. If you enjoy these wines and consider yourself a true wine drinker, you may be interested in joining their 1870 wine club. So, let’s raise a glass to Ned Kelly and the other the legend makers that have shaped our country’s histories.

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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Fraser Island-Sand Island Gem

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Did you know islands made of sand exist? Did you know that Fraser Island is a world heritage listed island and considered to be the largest sand island? It is also the largest island off the coast of Queensland, Australia. While not found on your everyday itinerary to Australia, it is certainly a gem to consider putting into your vacation experience.

Fraser Island then is a Sand Island Gem

Why you ask? This unique island is actually loaded with some spectacular lakes, lush rainforest, and miles of pristine beaches. It is absolutely amazing how diverse the landscape is on this island created from sand. Another added bonus is it is home to one of the largest dingo populations.


To get to Fraser Island you begin with a ferry ride from Hervey Bay.

Hervey Bay is about 3 hours north of Brisbane. It’s a beautiful drive up from Brisbane along the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Once you ferry across the bay you arrive at Fraser Island and check into Kingfisher Bay Resort. The gorgeous resort overlooks the Great Sandy Strait on the western side of the island. It is a purpose-built ecotourism resort with numerous awards and accolades it can boast about over its 21 years of operation. The resort has an extensive program of guided walks, talks, and 4WD tours as well as wildlife. They even offer whale watch cruises during season. Kingfisher Bay Resort is an ideal base from which to explore the island.

A fantastic tour option is the Beauty Spots Tour.

On this incredible beautiful day of off-roading, you’ll visit the top natural attractions and cool off in fresh watering holes all in the comfort of your air-conditioned four-wheel drive coach. Lunch is provided, but you’ll want to pack your swim wear, a hat, and your sunscreen for this adventure. Here are the highlights you’ll discover:

Gorgeous Lake McKenzie
Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek
Pile Valley’s stunning Satinay and Brush Box forests.
Seventy-Five Mile Beach’s famous highway. (yes, you drive on it)
The Maheno Shipwreck.
The colored sands of The Pinnacles.
The temperate, fresh waters of Eli Creek.
The might Stonetool Sand Blow

To make it even more spectacular, consider taking a scenic peak of the interior by purchasing a ride in one of the sea planes that appear on the beach. And if you’re lucky and have your eyes out you may spot a dingo or two. Or in my case the dingo may want to join your tour and run along side your vehicle.

After a fantastic day of experiencing the island return to Kingfisher Bay Resort for a lovely dining experience at the Seabelle Restaurant. All of their dishes incorporate local indigenous items in them. Then end the evening in your room over looking the swamps and fall asleep to the sounds of the night world.

Sounds divine, doesn’t it?


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslFraser Island-Sand Island Gem
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