Outstanding Destination Overcame Challenging Journey

My husband Ken’s hard work for and dedication to his Edward Jones clients earned us a reward trip to Australia in February 2023. Since flights to the Southern Hemisphere are expensive and lengthy, we added New Zealand to the itinerary prior to attending the meeting in Sydney.

Mother Nature interfered with that itinerary.

Severe Cyclone Gabrielle devastated the North Island of New Zealand the week we departed Omaha, Nebraska. Yet, United Airlines flew us to Houston, Texas where we learned upon landing that all flights, including our Air New Zealand flight, into Auckland were cancelled not only for that day but for the foreseeable future.

Pivot in Houston

We received a hotel, ground transportation and food voucher from Air New Zealand and were directed to the baggage claim area. While waiting 4+ hours for our luggage to come up at the Houston airport, Ken phoned the corporate travel agency to figure out Plan B. I sat by the luggage carousel and fraternized with many New Zealand citizens, most who’d been here on government or professional business. Each was charming and friendly but also frank in sharing that the USA is seen as country in deterioration in their homeland. Sobering, and disappointing.

Each time Ken raised his hand from his afar seat, I excused myself to hear updates. We jointly decided to add the days we were supposed to be in Queenstown, New Zealand to our Brisbane, Australia itinerary. Ken hustled to the Air New Zealand ticket counter to reroute our trip. Finally, our bags appeared, and I joined him in the ticketing area where I sat guarding the luggage and growing more and more impatient as the hours ticked away.

Keep in mind our flight wasn’t the only one in the world being rerouted. Having experienced impacts of dozens of hurricanes while South Carolina residents, we were understanding of the circumstances but puzzled by the lack of leadership and problem solving from Air New Zealand.

Broken Promises

Frazzled and hungry, we finally made our way to ground transportation. The promised and vouchered shuttle service provided by Radisson Hotel Houston Intercontinental Airport North didn’t exist. A call to the hotel’s front desk confirmed “we do not offer shuttle service.” Surprisingly, for an airport of Houston’s size, there was no taxis in the ground transportation area. We again waited.

The $60 cab ride abruptly ended outside of the hotel’s circle drive as we were greeted by flashing police car lights and swarms of officers outside the hotel. For much needed levity I said, “Ahh, a police escort. What a warm welcome to Houston!” I was wrong.

Keyless Entry

Weirdness continued. In our three decades of traveling, we’ve never had experiences like we did at this property. First, no room keys are issued. Someone from the front desk must let you into your room each time you re-enter. Second, hair dryers, wash cloths, facial tissues and a spare roll of toilet tissue are not present, and housekeeping seemed random as food and beverages were in the room’s refrigerator and closet. Odd, very odd.

Air New Zealand representatives had informed all stranded passengers that a restaurant exists at the hotel. That was a lie, and there was no open restaurant in walking distance. Thank goodness I’d stashed fig bars and crackers in my carry-on bag.

Once let into our room, Ken continued to make calls and get confirmation of changes to our flights, hotel rooms and pre-booked excursions. I repacked our suitcases as two were torn during the 4-hour handling at the Houston airport.

Double Billing

Sunday morning, I learned the hotel shuttle was “not working” yet I was able to convince a hotel desk clerk to allow a male housekeeper to drive us to the nearest Wal-Mart to purchase food and replace our torn backpack. Interesting that the hotel is being paid by the airline for ground transportation that it doesn’t provide but allows individual employees to transport guests in personal vehicles for a ‘fee.’

This same gentleman drove us to the airport to catch a United flight to San Francisco where we’d be on our way to Brisbane, Australia.

Wheels Up

As one would expect with the weather event in that region, every seat was full on the United flight to Brisbane. Stepping on the plane I literally shivered at the condition and age of the aircraft. It scared me. We were ticketed in economy, and I’d have been quite upset if I’d purchased first class or business class. The accommodations were less than desirable, and children of all ages were seated right behind this area. Someone was crying the entire 14-hour journey from San Francisco to Brisbane.

Brisbane, Australia

Few places could entice me away from the USA. Brisbane did and could. I describe it as a perfect blend of Charleston, SC and San Diego, CA. I simply loved it there, feeling safe and at home.

Forbes and GQ Australia have anointed Brisbane, “Australia’s coolest city.”

Brisbane is the capital and most populated city located in the center of the Southeast area of the state of Queensland. It’s also the third most populous city in Australia. The Brisbane River peninsula hosts most of the central business district of this city.

Brisbane is a perfect walking city. Set along the river snaking through parks, the city center, and neighborhoods, we walked with ease to restaurants, entertainment areas and excursions.

Click on the links for more information on Australia trip highlights.

Lodging

I’d reached out to our excursion tour guide at Viator seeking lodging recommendations since we wanted to walk to our tour starting points. We were given excellent advice. Both river tours originated from the same location.

Rydges Hotel is an ideal South Bank location: close to restaurants, entertainment, art galleries, excursions, the riverfront, shopping and festivals. We were assigned a river view balcony queen room. It was a near-perfect experience. We’d definitely stay here again.

Food

Restaurants of every type and price point are abundant in the South Bank area. Our favorite was Ahmet’s. Nothing came close to the food quality and service here, though others were good.

Groceries

Woolworth’s in Brisbane is a grocery store within walking distance of the Rydges Hotel in Brisbane.

It was fun to explore food items there and compare them and prices to USA.

Woolworths Supermarket – Buy Groceries Online

Excursions

Each of our non-company sponsored tours was booked prior to our leaving home through Viator. Things to Do, Tickets, Tours & Attractions | 2023 | Viator. The company was fantastic to work with as we had to re-schedule and cancel many bookings due to Cyclone Gabrielle.

Both excursions left from the same area, an easy walk from the Rydges hotel.

What do you think of first when you hear Australia?

If it’s kangaroos or koala’s, we think alike.

A highlight was the Brisbane River Cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | Discover Brisbane’s Koala Sanctuary – Australian Wildlife, Family Fun

We booked a river cruise and lunch at Breakfast Creek Hotel through Viator after talking to the hotel concierge. Even if you’re not a beer drinker the scenery on the cruise is worth seeing as is partaking in the tea and biscuits served on the cruise.

Breakfast Creek Hotel, Breakfast Creek, QLD

Shopping

The Queen Street pedestrian mall is an easy walk from the Rydges Hotel. We visited multiple times, including one trip exclusively to replace two suitcases damaged on the trip. Thank goodness for a strong dollar during our February 2023 visit. Queen Street Mall | Brisbane’s iconic shopping strip | Brisbane City Council

Additional Brisbane Links

Things to see and do in Brisbane | Brisbane City Council

Travel Guide to Brisbane, Queensland – Tourism AustraliaTHE TOP 10 Brisbane Tours & Excursions in 2023 (viator.com)

Sydney, Australia

Sydney, the capital city of the state of New South Wales, is the most populous city in Australia. It is on the east coast and surrounds the Sydney Harbour.

We arrived after a 90-minute Qantas flight from Brisbane. The check-in process, the employees, the aircraft and the on-board experience were each outstanding.

Since we’d cleared Australian customs landing in Brisbane, we bypassed the long customs lines upon arrival here.

Lodging

This portion of the trip was sponsored by Ken’s employer with a few excursion exceptions.

A corner room on the 19^th floor of the Shangri-La Sydney Luxury Hotel in Sydney | Shangri-La Sydney was our home for six nights. Opening the drapes, this was our view…exactly what I think of when I think of Sydney-the Opera House surrounded by nature’s wonders. We were unable to take in any performances there but did visit it.

The Rocks District of Sydney

The Rocks Tickets & Tours (and other Things to Do in Sydney) (viator.com)

The hotel is nestled in The Rocks district, a charming, historic area north of the Central Business District and northwest of Circular Quay (A tourism neighborhood near the Sydney Opera House. It hosts ferry quays, bus stops and a railway station). It’s a bustling area with plenty of shops, bars, restaurants and offices. Transportation options are plentiful.

1/2 Day City Tour

We were treated to a ½ day city tour which included a brief walking tour of The Rocks area, including a stop at the Observatory. Awesome views of the Harbor are seen from here. One can explore the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, including climbing it. We walked it. At the foot of the bridge, we boarded a ferry to return to Circular Quay.

NOTE: Public transportation in Sydney is plentiful, affordable and written in English. It is very easy to move around the city with public transportation.

Bondi Beach

A tour highlight was Bondi Beach, Sydney’s largest beach and its closest ocean beach to the city center. All beaches in Sydney are free. Since the stop was brief, the best we could do was wet our feet in the water. It’d be worth spending more time here, especially if you’re a beach lover.

Taronga Zoo

We’d booked this excursion, including the ferry ride to and from the zoo, through Viator before leaving the USA.

Tickets & Tours – Taronga Zoo Sydney, Sydney – Viator

It was a cool, rainy morning and very few visitors were there, making seeing the 4000+ animals, including a dolphin show, quite remarkable. Wonderful to see koala, kangaroo and platypus, natives to Australia, up close and personal.

The Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (nsw.gov.au) Incredible. I could have spent days meandering through this area located near the Sydney Opera House. Free admission.

Sydney Pubs

The history and importance of pubs was discussed on the prior ½ day city tour; thus, we frequented two of the more historical ones: The Hero of Waterloo and The Australian Hotel.

Sydney Bar, Club & Pub Tours (and other fun Things to Do) (viator.com)

The Oldest Pubs in Sydney, Australia (theculturetrip.com)

Darling Harbour

This harbour adjacent to the city centre of Sydney was a comfortable walk from our hotel. It is on the western outskirts of the central business district and is home to plenty of recreational and entertainment options, including the Jackson Luxury Cruise, which we boarded one stormy evening for a group dinner.

Your Official Guide To Darling Harbour | Discover Sydney | Darling Harbour

Full Day Blue Mountain Tour

We booked this tour at the last moment, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable tours we experienced in Australia. Blue Mountains Tickets & Tours (and other Things to Do in Sydney) (viator.com)

The rugged mountains are 90 minutes west of Sydney. This vast landscape is filled with eroded valleys, a rainforest and soaring eucalyptus trees surrounded by villages offering world-class food, wine, culture and shopping.

Calmsley Hill City Farm

This interactive farm close to Sydney was the first stop. Raised on a North Dakota farm and currently living in Nebraska, this wasn’t a necessary stop for me. However, our van had riders from major metropolitan USA cities who greatly appreciated the experience. Everyone seemed taken by the koala, kangaroos and this beautiful horse.  Calmsley Hill City Farm

Lincoln’s Rock in the Blue Mountains

Three Sisters

We were fortunate to also stop at the Eagle Hawk Lookout-a remote location with breathtaking views of the Blue Mountain peaks known as the “Three Sisters” rock formation.

Lunch

We enjoyed a delicious pre-ordered lunch at The Hydro Majestic’s-Boiler House-a historic hotel overlooking the picturesque Megalong Valley.

Mt. Tomah Botanic Garden: Final & Favorite Stop of the Day

The views, scents, colors and designs were spectacular.

Back to the USA

While we were enjoying Australia, our USA travel agent was working with the airlines to get us a refund for the portion of the trip we were unable to experience (New Zealand) and to attempt to get us to fly back from Sydney. Air New Zealand did not budge on this request.

We flew from Sydney to Auckland, New Zealand (the only thing we saw in New Zealand was the airport) and wouldn’t you know it…airline delays. Like all, we stood in line to get questions answered. What we didn’t expect was receiving $60 worth of airport food vouchers. One forgets that customs are different in different countries and that vouchers even for delays are freely handed out in New Zealand.

The flight from Auckland to Houston was 13 hours long.

Air New Zealand planes have greater seat capacity and the on-board crew seemed happier and more customer oriented than did our United crew to Brisbane. Both Australia and New Zealand’s airport processed passengers quicker than the USA does. Impressively, Brisbane’s airport used robots to process luggage upon check-in.

Houston, We Have a Problem, Again

We’ve arrived at the Houston International Airport multiple times after taking international flights. This was the worst experience yet. Thank goodness an alert luggage clerk informed us that Ken’s bag was not checked all the way to Omaha. But this meant standing in an endless line trying to get it retagged while frustrated passengers began yelling at one another and at agents behind the counter. Welcome to the USA!

The luggage area was super crowded as was the pre-check area of TSA.

On little sleep and with a nagging cough, we finally made it to the gate for our flight back to Omaha. The Houston United gate agent moved our seats from the back of the plane to the front. That was a welcome gift!

My coughing increased and I masked up.

What a nice surprise to receive a Facetime call from our son, Alex, and grandson, Jaxon, at the Houston Airport. Welcome Home, indeed.

Unwanted Souvenir

I returned with a souvenir: COVID.

We landed in Omaha at 11PM and by 3AM I was very ill and was seen by a medical team. The doctor is right: I’m a late bloomer. It was my first COVID experience.

After recovering, I realized how fortunate I was to get COVID at home rather than abroad or feel like I did when I got home while I was on the flights.

Noteworthy Tips

• Book through a travel agent. Traveling has gotten unreliable and frustrating. These experts know how to book travel and how to quickly recover from flight interruptions. We met so many passengers who used online booking services and were directed to fend for themselves due to their booking choice.
• Buy travel insurance.
• Register with the country embassy prior to departing and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (state.gov)
• Carry on three days’ worth of clothing and incidentals in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
• Always carry your medications in their original bottles/containers. We were required to get a signed letter from our physician on letterhead for any prescription medications we traveled with. Always check country requirements before leaving the USA.
• If two people are traveling together, pack half of each traveler’s clothes in each bag. If a bag is lost, you will each have clothing until the bag is found.
• Rely on experts on the ground to find off-the-beaten path excursions/restaurants/etc. The Internet is a great starting point but seldom trumps local referrals.

Final Impressions

• Australia is an easy country to travel to if you are an American. The citizens speak English and the customs (other than driving and walking on sidewalks) nearly mirror American customs.
• The US dollar was favorable when we visited.
• Australians seemed very relaxed compared to Americans. The stress levels seemed lower, and the crime rate is significantly lower than in the USA.
• We met very few Americans other than Ken’s colleagues in Australia. We wondered if the travel distance and time has Americans choosing closer destinations.
• “No worries” is the most used phrase there. It applies there, and perhaps can here.
• We did not visit what Americans call “The Outback,” the Great Barrier Reef (12-hour drive north of Brisbane) or The Gold Coast (50 miles south of Brisbane). Each of these are worthy of a repeat visit.  
  

©May 2023 Linda Leier Thomason. All Rights Reserved.

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