Joan Newbery Travel & Cruise Consultant

I have been in the travel industry on and off for over 30 years. Given the most extraordinary destinations available to travellers, I find it's a profession that is never dull or boring. I enjoy meeting new clients, catching up with past clients, sharing their experiences and helping them to create new memories. 

I have lived in most of Australia's states and lived in the United Kingdom for over 3 years. While there, we tried to do as much travelling as possible.

My most memorable trip was spending ANZAC day in the Somme, starting with the Dawn Service at the Australian National Memorial at Villers Bretonneux, onto the town of Villers Bretonneux and finishing at Bullecourt. It was such a moving experience watching our boys and girls in blue, being able to support them on such a special day and then exchanging small trinkets with the local children.

travel tips

• Get to know the cities you are visiting by carrying a good map and know some of the local language, even if to just say hello and thank you.

hot picks

• Train travel through Europe is great. You get to meet people on the train, play a game of cards with them and before you know it you are right in the middle of a new city in a different country. 
• My favourite time of the year in the UK and Europe is Christmas - the markets, if you are lucky - the snow, colourful lights, and of course the gluhwein (mulled wine). 
• Take a canal boat trip down the rivers in England and Wales where you are the Captain of your own vessel. Alternatively, take a river cruise through Europe and let someone else take care of you.