Be Fit To Travel

May 7, 2023 Lisa Rossmeissl Australia, Fitness, Travel Tips No comments

How do travel and fitness go hand in hand? I will share how fitness plays a significant role in your traveling and has shaped my traveling career. You will discover why it is vital to be fit to travel. I will share two things you may or may not know about me, depending on whether you have booked travel or followed my adventures. One is an essential part of who I am and how I approach life and living, and the other is an inspiration and a reminder of why you must take care of yourself and do when the opportunity presents itself.

I have a separate component called Be Fit to Travel within Boomerang Escapes.

Being fit to travel came from my long history of being in the fitness industry and discovering over the years how taxing travel can be on the body. I was always a fitness buff, having been at the prime of my life when aerobics first took its hold, and shiny spandex was the attire. The love of fitness established in my youth carried over into my early family life as I received my personal trainer and fitness instructor certificates just before discovering I was pregnant with my first child. I taught classes and maintained my certification for about ten years before. Fast forward to my mid-forties, when I opened the agency and life’s stresses had a detrimental impact on my health, I returned to fitness as a motivational coach for Bodi (formerly Beachbody). At this point in my travel career, I was on the road nearly every month, realizing that if I was going to keep up with the pace of activities and enjoy all the things offered, I needed to regain my health. I witnessed many travelers who were also sidelined and unable to participate in something as simple as an easy-grade walk through a rainforest. I had clients who had to cancel major trips due to health issues arising before travel that likely might have been prevented had they spent a little more time on healthcare.

And this is where the second influence comes in. It is something I will never forget. It occurred long before I had any idea I would be a travel agent or, let alone, own an agency. A woman who was in her sixties and ran a consignment shop gave me a crucial piece of advice one day when I was selling some of the kid’s clothes at her shop. We were discussing my husband, who was living and working in Germany at the time. I shared with her how I wanted to see it for myself but wasn’t sure about traveling with the kids and the cost if I should do it. She then told me their dream of traveling the world did not happen. She told me how they had planned to travel the world in retirement. She worked and saved only to have retirement day come and take the dream away when her husband ended up on a dialysis machine. She told me, “Do not wait; go when you can. You never know what will happen in life.” Needless to say, I went to Germany with my toddlers in tow that year to visit their dad.

It’s always possible to begin that journey of health. And it isn’t about the swimsuit body but about longevity and mobility. You want to truly enjoy your rewards when you have worked as hard as you have worked. Feel free to follow @BeFitToTravel or join my private motivational fitness group to spur you on your wellness adventure.

As May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, I encourage you to BE FIT TO TRAVEL.

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.

My Favorite Places in Australia

March 12, 2023 Lisa Rossmeissl Adventure, Australia, Wildlife No comments

Lisa, what are your favorite places in Australia? This question I get all the time when working with my clients. Where would you go?

It is the most challenging question for me to answer because I love every experience I’ve had over my seven visits. (as of the time of this post) For me, Australia could never disappoint, and she continually outdoes herself whenever I go. Just when I think she can’t deliver more, she does.

For me, it is a destination that has captured my heart and soul. However, I will give you a short list of some of the places that hold some fond memories and that I would certainly return to again and again.

My Favorite Places in Australia:

Whitsundays-A collection of islands off the coast of Queensland located on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. Choose any of the islands for a perfect relaxing end to a long trip or a romantic escape. A visit to Whitehaven beach and a helicopter ride out over Heart Reef is necessary.
Rainforest Walk-The lush green vegetation, babbling water, and history of this ancient place are beyond words. Experience the Daintree with a local Aboriginal guide. One of my favorites was a Dreamtime Walk.
Kangaroo Island– Australia’s unique landscape and spotting of notable wild wildlife highlights here. Enjoy authentic eats while dining on a cliff looking out over the ocean or grilling in the bush.
The Outback-I spent two weeks entirely in the lower portion of the Northern Territory hiking and climbing gorges, canyons, and more. Uluru and the surroundings feel like the heart and soul of Australia. Another outstanding experience here was a helicopter over the land at sunrise.
Western Australia– A place I need to explore further, and despite my overwhelming love of koalas and getting a cuddle when I can, two of my best wildlife experiences were here—visiting Rottnest Island to meet Australia’s happiest animal, the quokka. During my encounter, the quokka decided to curl up in the crook of my arm on the cold, wet day we visited. And then the exhilarating swim with whale sharks. Words can’t describe the feeling of seeing these beautiful creatures very up close.

Wow, the memories are flooding in. I could go on and on. I am truly overcome with emotions when I think of all the beautiful things I’ve had the privilege to do in Australia and the people I’ve met. As you can probably tell, I may be a bit biased, but I genuinely believe you should discover Australia.

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.

Walk It Out

March 5, 2023 Lisa Rossmeissl Australia, Fitness No comments

The best way to see a destination is often by setting off on foot. I am that proverbial person that says, “We can walk it.” Don’t know what to do with the day, then start walking. I find you stumble upon some of the most significant discoveries when you take to the pavement or the off-beaten path. It is a fabulous learning experience with discoveries around every bend.

Australia has plenty of walks to discover. Or hikes if you are in for a bit more workout. I’ve climbed an array of gorges, canyons, and more! I’ve had the thrill of experiencing a climb up Peak’s Passage on Hamilton Island, trekking around King’s Canyon Rim, and scurrying down the hillsides in the Blue Mountains to witness cascading falls. No matter your state or territory, you will find somewhere unique to explore on foot.

Australia makes it even easier to Walk it Out.

Australia has what is known as the Great Walks of Australia. For the fitness buff, nature buff, and explorer, these are a variety of walks throughout the regions and in varying degrees of difficulty. Some are multiple days, and some you can do only part of. No matter your choice you need to try one.

Walk it Out in Australia.

Here is a list of the Great Walks:

The Arkaba Walk– Located in South Australia, is a 4-day walk of moderate intensity traversing the Flinders Ranges. It is best done from March to October.
Murray River Walk-Located in South Australia, is a 4-day walk rated easy that takes along one of Australia’s greatest rivers. It is best explored from May to September.
Bay of Fires Lodge Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 4-day walk of moderate intensity as you explore the northeastern part of Tasmania along Mt. William National Park. It is best done from October to May.
Cradle Mountains Hut Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 6-day walk rated moderate to hard discovering World Heritage areas along the famous Overland Track. It is best experienced from October to May.
Freycinet Experience Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 4-day walk of moderate level. This walk will take you through the pink granite Hazard Mountains, and you will see the famed Wine Glass Bay. This walk is best done from October to April.
The Maria Island Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 4-day walk with an easy to moderate rating. Explore eucalyptus forests and spot amazing wildlife on this trek. Plan this walk for October to April.
Three Capes Lodge Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 4-day walk of moderate level open year round. It is fully guided and walks along the Tasman Peninsula.
Scenic Rim Trail-Located in Queensland, is a 4-day walk rated moderate to hard. It is accessed from Brisbane and explores South East Queensland’s Main Range Park. It is best done from February to November.
Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk-Located in Victoria, is a 4-day walk of moderate level. It explores the famed Great Ocean Road. It is best experienced from September to May.
Cape to Cape Walk-Located in Western Australia, is a 4-day walk of moderate intensity exploring the landscapes along the Margaret River. Plan this walk from March to June and September to November.
Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort-Located in the Northern Territory, is a 6-day walk listed as moderate to hard. It will take you along the high ridge lines of the MacDonnell Ranges. This walk is best done from April to September.
Seven Peaks Walk-Located in New South Wales, is a 5-day walk. It is rated moderate to hard with options. This walk takes place on Lord Howe Island, a Unesco World Heritage listing. Operational months for this walk are April and May, and September thru November.

For more information, contact your Australia Travel Expert here at Boomerang Escapes. I can guide you to what will work with your travel plans. Until then, happy walking!

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.

The Many Faces of Uluru

August 25, 2019 Lisa Rossmeissl Adventure, Australia No comments

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, lies in the heart of Australia. The heart of Australia lies in the Northern Territory, or the Outback, or the Red Center. The rock is a large sandstone rock formation sacred to the Aboriginal people, specifically the Pitjantjatjara people. It lies within Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, a protected area. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site for natural and cultural landscape. There is archaeological evidence of the sacredness of this rock dating back some 30,000 years with the Aboriginals.

Besides the massive size and rich history of this rock, what is probably one of the most alluring features is the rock changes in appearance throughout the day and over the course of the year. The sandstone contains reflective minerals that react differently to the varying positions of the sun, thus causing the surface to radiate different colors. It also is fascinatingly different in appearance when the rains appear. Probably the best times of year to visit this dessert environment and view Uluru along with other rock formations would be from April to October.

There are a variety of different activities giving you opportunity to view the rock and it’s changing colors. A 2-night or more stay in the region gives the traveler a chance to view the rock in a variety of ways. From early sunrise viewing points, to walks around the base (climbing of the rock is not allowed), to special sunset dinners. Within these there are many opportunities to experience the culture, amazing food, and/ or celebrate a special occasion. Some other fun ways to see the rock are by helicopter, Segway, biking, motorcycle, and even on camel back.

A very special display with extended viewing until December 2020 that you can go to via a camel ride is The Field of Lights. Created by internationally celebrated artist Bruce Monro, it is by far ihis largest work to date with over 50,000 spindle lights. Just one more reason to book your Outback experience before the lights go out.

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.

Kings Canyon-An Outback Gem

July 17, 2016 Lisa Rossmeissl Australia No comments

August 2015, I once again enjoyed being included on an educational familiarization trip to Australia. The itinerary included several days in The Outback. Most Americans are familiar with the famed Outback either through movies such as “Crocodile Dundee” or the restaurant chain “Outback” or have heard about Ayers Rock (Uluru) that marks the center of this territory. However, I find that few want to take the time to really explore this region besides a 2-day inclusion to explore Uluru.

I am here to tell you that you need to add some extra days to your itinerary and explore Kings Canyon.

Kings Canyon is part of Watarrka National Park and lies about half-way between Uluru and Alice Springs. Kings Canyon is “back of beyond”-way out there somewhere remote. No phone service, no Wi-Fi, no doctors even for miles or a day’s trip away. Despite its remote location, this is the perfect place to escape, relax, and connect.

Kings Canyon’s sandstone walls were formed millions of years ago, and the aboriginal have called it home for over 20,000 years now. With more than 600 species of vegetation, the canyon makes for a lovely hiking escape if you’re up for the challenge. I was, even with being under the weather the day of our climb, I would not have missed this site.

The climb to the rim is a challenging 6-kilometer hike that takes approximately 3-4 hours. The first section of the climb is the most challenging as it is nearly a 90 degree stone step staircase to climb. Once you’ve conquered it, the remainder of the trail is relatively level, and the views are spectacular. Along part of the hike, we saw the famed area where “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” was filmed. Earlier in the week, we had been surprised by a secret performance from Priscilla and her troop. We also took the descending walk through what is known as “the Garden of Eden.” Here there is a permanent waterhole with amazing lush green vegetation and birdlife. After you take a million pictures of the breathtaking landscape and complete your hike, I recommend spending a night or two at Kings Canyon Resort.

Kings Canyon Resort makes for a nice base camp for exploring more of the region. My recommendation would be to stay in the deluxe room with the soaking tub below a clear picture window. You feel as if you are sitting right in the midst of the desert. It is very romantic for couples. During the season (April to October), take in the evening meal “Under a Desert Moon.” There is nothing quite so spectacular or romantic as dining under the Southern Night moonlit sky.

To explore Kings Canyon and Uluru, I would recommend allowing 3-4 days from your trip schedule. Trust me, this is the Australia you imagine, and it is well worth the stop.

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.

Be Fit To Travel

I have a separate component called Be Fit to Travel within Boomerang Escapes.

As May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, I encourage you to BE FIT TO TRAVEL.

My Favorite Places in Australia

Lisa, what are your favorite places in Australia? This question I get all the time when working with my clients. Where would you go?

My Favorite Places in Australia:

Walk It Out

Australia makes it even easier to Walk it Out.

Walk it Out in Australia.

The Many Faces of Uluru

Kings Canyon-An Outback Gem

I am here to tell you that you need to add some extra days to your itinerary and explore Kings Canyon.

To explore Kings Canyon and Uluru, I would recommend allowing 3-4 days from your trip schedule. Trust me, this is the Australia you imagine, and it is well worth the stop.

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