Natalie opened the doors of Noosa Cruise and Travel in 2005, having spent 10 years working in a senior role for a local travel company, Natalie decided it was the right time to branch out on her own and create a boutique local agency. Having extensive experience and an excellent knowledge of the local market (being a home grown Noosa girl herself!) and her ability to provide service above and beyond; ensures you our valued client a one stop shop.
How long have you been in travel Natalie?
15 yrs
Tell us a bit about yourself
I guess it all comes down to the fact that I love what I do; I am passionate and pride myself on attention to detail and honesty. I find joy in planning and organising an itinerary that is individual to my client’s needs, wants and budget. We know we have done a good job when a client books another holiday with us, or recommends their friend’s.
I have travelled to Africa, China, Japan, PNG, South America, Asia, Europe and Vietnam. I am a keen skier and experienced some amazing cruises
Where do you dream of travelling to?
South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya are very high on my list. One visit to Africa and you get the taste for more. I need to tick the complete list of getting up close and personal with the big 5! That’s the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino & Buffalo – I’m yet to see the Lion.
Cape Towns incredible table mountain, Durban’s famous Golden Mile and of course the wineries on the Garden Route are still a must. Along with the dream to meet the Maasai warriors a chance to exchange stories and cultures.
Favourite place & Why
This would have to Asia, mainly because of the beautiful resorts available, I enjoy living like a princess when on a break – great service, cuisine and of course shopping - Asia offers all this and more!
Recommendations
Luxe guides for best shopping and restaurant.
Hot travel tips!
- Take socks on the plane as the blankets are not always long enough.
- Take 3 forms of cash, travellers cheques and CC.
- Check to see if your eftpos is accessible overseas – Cirrus or Plus
- Always remember to get your card out of the eftpos machine as when overseas, they ask you if you want to do another transaction at the end. If you have walked away – someone else can take your money.
Where was your last trip to?
Beijing Nov 2006
What an amazing place! This city has embarked on a new millennium rollercoaster and it's taking the rest of China with it! The history however has not gone anywhere – from Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, The Terracotta warriors and of course the Great Wall – there is so much to do. And of course the Olympics are going to be an amazing time to be there.
Park city Utah Skiing USA Mar 2007
I am just fresh off the snow from this trip! Truly a winter wonderland. This is a big mountain with incredible snow and lots of terrain. The season goes from Nov – April, with 3,300 acres spread over 7 peaks and 9 bowls & 104 trails. The Resort has received numerous accolades, most recently being named a top-five Resort by the readers of SKI Magazine.
Orion Expedition Cruising – PNG Oct 2007
Expedition cruises really is the way to see new unfound destinations and Orion is a way to do it in style. This is a destination that always fascinated me due to having childhood friends from the country. So close to Australia but untouched. I am sure it has changed for those that have been lucky enough to have visited years before but for those that have never visited it seems an undiscovered delight. It is a destination that some would consider dangerous or unsafe but not when you visit it by an expedition ship. Orion have negotiated with villages to visit and experience the true culture and lifestyle that they live. Having only touched on the outskirts of PNG it is another one of those countries that makes you want to see more. The Trobriand Islands were stunning beautiful water with good snorkeling. Orion’s ship, staff, amenities and amazing food really made the whole experience amazing. Staff caught tuna of the back of the ship and served sashimi for lunch on the outside deck. Village children performed cultural dances to greet the ship and a special initiation evening show was performed by local men which was incredibly spiritual and entertaining. Everyday made for a unique experience, something Orion is famous for. Anyone including myself that has done and Orion cruise must do another. The Kimberley’s in next on the wish list.
Zambia Nov 2008
An amazing A&K luxury safari experience. light planes, tented cabins and private game viewing, stunning. This was an experience of a lifetime that I truly had been waiting a long time to do and thought that 1 visit to Africa would be enough. The total experience of food, wine, people, service, animals, landscape is really surreal and makes you crave to go back. An all inclusive holiday with Abercrombie and Kent surpassed my expectations. Although I did not get to see the Lion we saw an abundance of wildlife, at times having to dodge the heards of hippos and elephants lazing about in the Zambezi river. Sundowner drinks introduced gin and tonic as my new drink of choice and every time I have one it brings back wonderful memories. A highlight besides the A&K experience of luxurious lodges and game viewing was visiting a local village, the children and culture difference was very overwhelming. The beautiful homeware’s that I collected on the way take special pride of place in my home and I can’t wait to go back to get more memories, collectables and experiences to share.
