Werribee Zoo was an exciting day trip with Benalla Buslines for the few who attended.
 
At our last meeting we heard stories from Jan Brown’s recent trip to the UK. Scotland and Ireland. Then from Jennifer Campbell on her tour of China (including efforts to climb the 
Great Wall) and the good weather there. Malcom Sanders had some great tips on self navigating the water canals in UK which was all fascinating to listen to.
 
Finally Brian Greed gave us some advice on booking on the net, cheap cruises and affordable package bus tours. Well done all.
 
Sadly, this was our last meeting of Travel Group with quite a few of us going to keep in touch informally next year and hopefully share some travel together.

It has been an interesting year and the program was a good try out. I thank everyone for your attendance, input and the chance to share good company in various places.

We will get together soon for a Christmas lunch locally and I wish you all a safe Christmas and some exciting adventures in your travels in the future.

​Judy Perry

​This month we welcomed Angela and Rosa to our group. Both ladies are on a mission to get out there a bit more.  Rosa gave us an entertaining glimpse at what it’s like to actually work on a cruise ship and Stella has been “up the coast practising to live out of a suitcase” in readiness for her next big trip on The Ghan.  Dave and Rhonda are having their weekend in Melbourne soon and Henry is back and had some more “big fish” tales to tell about his winter sojourn up north. 

October 17th will be our last travel group meeting at the U3A rooms and the last opportunity to discuss the South Africa details.  For anyone still interested in the South Africa trip in about July or August next year the cut-off date for booking and deposits is the end of October.  After that we are planning a local dinner get-together before the Christmas obligations are upon us all.
Happy travels!    
                                    
Judy Perry

Stella at the Travel Group's Vine Hotel visit

Since our last meeting P&O have decided to cancel the cruise no J911 on February 24th 2019 to Tasmania and offer an earlier date on February 18th. This will be cruise no J910 leaving from Melbourne.  It is 6 nights instead of 5, the fare is the same and they are offering $100 per person spending money by way of compensation. Please contact your booking agent to confirm your details as those bookings should now be moved over.

We had some discussions on RFID protection, anti-theft handbags and general safety precautions for travelling.

Unfortunately not enough people want to go to Melbourne to see a show, as indicated earlier in the year, and /or stay for a well-priced weekend package and explore the nooks and crannies of our city. That event is cancelled unless anyone wants to take up the challenge of organising.
The South African trip for next year is shaping up as a single ladies only, and that should make it a great adventure. Wonder where all the men are off to….

On October 24th we are off to Werribee Open Range Zoo with Benalla Buslines (Book direct with them).  Werribee Zoo is an African themed Zoo advertising ‘African adventures close to home’.  So I guess that’s the alternative. There is a safari tour and many keeper talks throughout the day.   Lunch is not provided but there are several kiosks and a restaurant which is reasonably priced.

Happy travels.
​
Judy Perry

Most members are still away for the winter. We have been invited by Benalla Travel to the film night they are hosting for Scenic river Cruises in Europe. It will be at BPACC on 22nd August from 6-8pm. Please rsvp to Benalla Travel on 5762 3187 before 20th August for catering.  This is a great way to plan not being here next year and find out what’s on offer.

The 2019 Tasmania cruise now has a changed date. It will be February 24th for the 5 night cruise from Melbourne to Hobart, Port Arthur and Burnie. And the good news is the price is $599 per person twin share with a free upgrade to ocean view if the booking is made soon.  We have already booked  four cabins.

Other plans for South Africa and Yangtze River cruise in 2019 are still having their details refined.
​
Judy Perry

Winter sees many of our group away travelling to, hopefully, warmer places. We are busy planning our travels to exotic places for next year as we have now reached the time that allows us to take advantage of booking well ahead.

At the June meeting we discussed three major options for next year. A nine-day bus tour in May to Coffs Harbour. An August two week trip to South Africa, incorporating Kruger National Park to Cape Town with one night on the Shongololo Express train. A cruise on the Yangtze River in China with options for extensions to other places in China. Pricing and further details are being put together should be in for the July group meeting.

Important dates to remember:

July 10th is the closing date for everyone interested in the August 3-night Melbourne getaway.

August 1st is the closing date for the March 2019 Tasmania Cruise.
​
Judy Perry
0428 118 853

Our regular meeting in May was concentrated on our future “destinations” with some good practical input from members.

Our May bus trip to Eildon was a great day with Peter Brown volunteering to drive the bus. Thank you Peter.

First stop was at the Yark Bakery then on to the mountains for a scenic drive up to Foggs Lookout on Mt Pinnager. Back down we drove over the wall at Eildon to our picnic spot at the Lions Club Barbeque facility right on the pondage where Brian officiated as Head Chef. Lunch was very pleasant and relaxing.

​Henry, who went fishing, said “he threw his fish back” but we don’t believe that!

Another scenic drive got us up to the power stations at Rubicon and return to Alexandra for a quick browse through the bookshop and coffee, and cake of course.

Pleasant day with great company and barely a silent moment.

The next outing is to the Vine Hotel in Wangaratta on Saturday 30th June for lunch. We will take the bus again if enough people to fill it.

Judy Perry

Our first trip away to Kangaroo Island, via the cruise ship Eden, has about 23 people still laughing. On board the ship was a fantastic experience, entertainment and food was great and the company of so many Benallians made the cruise all the more hilarious. Our fancy dress nights on the ship were a sight to behold, and true to form, Benalla really got into the swing of things. There are photos circulating via Geraldine if anyone wants to copy some.

Our first meeting was well attended with 22 present. We are a diverse age group with different requirements when it comes to travel. The aim of this group is therefore to organise a range of trips which will ensure everyone’s needs are addressed.

Our activities will include day trips as well as longer and may be by bus, train or ship. We may also consider international cruises.

We all appreciate it takes many months to organise a trip and to assist with this a questionnaire was distributed with an “overview of suggested activities” for the near future.

Your completed questionnaire may be handed in at next meeting or left at the Red B4 bookshop in an envelope addressed to U3A Travel Group.

Cath O’Connor volunteered to be secretary/treasurer when available. Rhonda and Dave Barry will convene the next meeting on 21 March assisted by Stella Wharton standing in as secretary. Many put up their hand to help where required and thank you to those people.

We had some discussion on travel insurance and some terrific ideas from around the room.
Samantha Riddell, a local travel consultant, attended to meet our group. Samantha will be guest speaker at our April Meeting. Her knowledge will be invaluable on the subject of insurance and she will outline how she can be of service to our group.

We are setting up a group email system to get information out in a timely manner. It is your group and your input is vital to its survival. Your input is much appreciated.
​
Judy Perry

Intrepid traveller Judy Perry has decided to share her love of travel with other U3A members in an active and exciting way.  Judy will be running a new course in 2018 - the U3A Benalla Travel Club:  ​

​Judy has already designed the first trip - it will commence on March 18th and provides a wonderful way to travel and enjoy Kangaroo Island....

If you are interested in finding out more, please phone Judy as she needs expressions of interest as soon as possible.  ​