All posts by DUE Travel Agent

Why should I book my 2021 or 2022 trip now?

In the age of a global pandemic, it may not feel like the right time to be planning travel. We understand you may have had to put current and upcoming travel plans on hold – we definitely have. And with quarantine measures in place, we know we are all craving for the time when we Read More…

Perfect Weekend Getaway – Big Sur and the Post Ranch Inn

San Francisco is a personal favorite weekend getaway for me, but next time you are planning a trip to the City by the Bay, make it a long weekend, so you have time to explore Big Sur and The Post Ranch Inn. Spending a few days in San Francisco and a few days along the Read More…

Badlands National Park – Close By, Stunning Landscapes

As we all search for potential travel destinations a bit closer to home over the next several months, I’m reminded of how many unique regions we have in our own country. I visited Badlands National Park last year and was blown away by a landscape that resembled the surface of the moon! Rugged and remote, Read More…

The Advantages of Using a Travel Advisor

There is incredible value in hiring a travel advisor to plan your dream vacation. These days, so much information is accessible online that it can seem easy to book hotels and tours on your own. However, there are many advantages to using our white-glove service to plan your trip. 1: We are the experts in Read More…

Finding Happiness in Planning Travel

Is anyone tired of hearing about these “unprecedented times”? Not knowing what the future holds can be scary. We’re all tired of the terms lockdown, stay-at-home, social distancing – and especially homeschooling!? Plans have had to be postponed or even canceled. Birthdays, anniversaries, and funerals have taken place in relative isolation. Wedding vows have been Read More…

Where to Travel in 2020: 10 Bucket List Destinations for the New Year

As the new year approaches, so does the possibility for fresh starts, exciting goals, and new adventures. Whether you have the urge to explore a new city, relax on a white sand beach, reset from the hustle of every day, or reconnect with your true self, 2020 is your year! We’ve curated some inspiration to Read More…

Milford Sound Cruise vs Helicopter: How to Explore New Zealand’s Fiordlands

Milford Sound is a must-visit in New Zealand, but there are multiple ways to see the stunning scenery of the region. The Milford Sound cruise vs. helicopter tour offers two very different experiences. On my recent trip to New Zealand, I was able to enjoy both experiences; I did the bus and nature cruise day Read More…

Best Things to Do in French Polynesia

Wondering what there is to do in French Polynesia? This stunning island chain, also known as the Islands of Tahiti, is world-famous for brilliant blue lagoons, 5-star resorts, and overwater bungalows. It’s also home to some of the world’s most fascinating and ancient cultures and plenty of adventures! Here are 8 of our favorite things Read More…

Bring on the Sunshine! Our 10 Favorite Beach Vacations

All beaches are not created equal—and when it comes to your honeymoon or special occasion, it’s important to choose a beach resort that fits your style and personality. That’s why our travel experts are here to help! Find inspiration with our 10 favorite beach vacations in the South Pacific, Africa, and beyond. Whether you want Read More…

Lord of the Rings: New Zealand Movie Sites

If you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, you’ll know that New Zealand is the real-life Middle-earth. The rolling green hills, dramatic mountains, and crystal-clear alpine waters made the perfect backdrop for the movies—and they make for an ideal travel destination, too! Many of our clients travel to New Zealand just to visit the beautiful Read More…

Islands of Australia: 7 Jaw-Dropping Vacation Spots

Australia is fringed by more than 8,000 islands, each of them unique and filled with unbelievable wildlife! That’s a whole lot of beautiful islands to choose from, so our Australia specialists have curated this list of the best ones to explore on your next trip. Whether you’re looking to explore or completely relax, we are Read More…

Top 10 Events and Festivals in Sydney

Looking for things to do in Sydney? Australia’s largest city has no shortage of fun, family-friendly activities throughout the year! Watch one of the world’s most incredible fireworks shows on New Year’s Eve, see the city light up like never before during Vivid Sydney, and indulge your tastebuds during Good Food Month. These are the Read More…

Best Places for Wine Tasting in Australia

The best places to go wine tasting in Australia include Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, McLaren Vale, and Margaret River. You can go wine tasting on a day trip from Sydney or Melbourne or stay a few nights at a beautiful hotel set amongst the vineyards. These wine regions offer everything from behind-the-scenes tours to private dinners Read More…

What to Do in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is a stylish, sophisticated, and dynamic city with plenty to explore! Some of our favorite things to do in Melbourne are wandering through lanes and arcades covered in street art, exploring the vibrant culinary scene, driving the Great Ocean Road, wine tasting in Yarra Valley, and wildlife tours just outside the city. Here are Read More…

Adventures & Adrenaline on New Zealand’s North Island

New Zealand is an amazing country for adventurous travelers! The team at Down Under Endeavours loves to experience all that New Zealand has to offer. If you are looking for an adventure-packed vacation, New Zealand’s North Island is an amazing destination! Top adventures on New Zealand’s North Island: Active Volcanoes Heli-hiking on White Island, an Read More…

Ayers Rock Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Ayers Rock, or Uluru as it’s known to the traditional Anangu owners, is a massive sandstone monolith in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre—the physical and spiritual center of the country. Ayers Rock and the nearby Kata Tjuta rock formations have been significant in traditional ceremonies and rites of passage for over 10,000 years. Aboriginal Read More…

Best Beach Vacations of the South Pacific

Hello there, mates! The dreary February weather here in the Midwest has us dreaming of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Below is a list of some of our all-time favorite best beach vacations and destinations. Australia: Whitehaven Beach Private picnic on Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. Image courtesy of Ellen Hoffman Whitehaven Beach is Read More…

Australian Animals: What You’ll See Down Under

A highlight of any Australia vacation is meeting the unique Australian animals! Whether you’re visiting a wildlife sanctuary, watching kangaroos hop freely in the wild, cuddling a koala, or swimming with whale sharks, there are so many opportunities to experience Australia’s unique wildlife. Here are some of the most iconic animals you’ll see in Australia: Read More…

Top 5 Most Romantic Getaways

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and Down Under Endeavours is in the know when it comes to the most romantic spots in the world to take your significant other. From overwater bungalows in Bora Bora to grand country estates in New Zealand, we’ll help you plan the perfect romantic getaway! Below are some of our top Read More…

Top 10 Wildlife Tours in Australia

An Australian wildlife tour is the highlight of any trip down under! Australia is packed with unique wildlife, with an average of 7,500 total animals calling the country home! But, did you know that 90% of animals in Australia are found nowhere else in the world? Seeing wildlife down under is truly a magical experience, Read More…

Wellington Travel Guide: The Coolest Little Capital

Wellington, New Zealand, was deemed “The Coolest Little Capital” by Lonely Planet, and it certainly lives up to the name! Located on the North Island of New Zealand, Wellington is filled with outdoor adventure, arts and culture, delicious cuisine, and quirky festivals. The city is famous for its vibrant creative culture fueled by great food, Read More…