Geoff’s Travel Adventure
Recently one of our customers, Geoff, from Queensland, aged 80, contacted us to thank us for the service he received from our COTA Insurance team and how we made his 2024 travel adventure possible. He also mentioned how he came home feeling healthier and happier.
Lucky for us, Geoff has kindly agreed to share his travel adventure!
Where did you go on your most recent trip and how long were you travelling?
I travelled across the USA, Canada, a river cruise through Europe and then onto Hungary, Poland, Germany, England, Hong Kong and Thailand, for a total of 4 months.
First, I visited San Francisco on the west coast of America, where I met my daughter, who currently lives in Calgary, Canada, for several days. Then I went onto Vancouver and Banff alone, via bus. Then onto Calgary to see my daughter again. I stayed in Calgary for several weeks and saw the Calgary Stampede. Then I flew to Toronto, Canada to visit Niagara Falls. I travelled south and met up with a friend and we went to Rhode Island and Martha’s Vineyard. I then caught a train to New York City where I met my daughter again.
Then onto Europe for my European river cruise that went through The Netherlands, Austria, Germany and Hungary. Then I flew onto Warsaw, Poland and onto travelled to Krakow, Poland. I took a train to Berlin, Germany and then onto Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest.
I flew to London, England for a few days before heading back to Australia via Hong Kong and Bangkok, Thailand.
Calgary Stampede, Canada.
Why did you choose to travel to these destinations?
I went to the USA and Canada to see my daughter and visit some places that I had on my bucket list, like Martha’s Vineyard. The European river cruise was a big bucket list item for me and one of the main reasons for my trip. I also wanted to go back to Poland, as I loved it when I visited there many years ago (2008).
What was your favourite part of this travel adventure and why?
Warsaw was amazing. It’s amazing how it was destroyed in the war and now how lovely it is with such lovely people. Poland has a lot of English spoken, which makes it easier, it’s also good because it’s cheaper to travel than with the Euro in Europe.
Niagara Falls, USA is one of my all-time favourite places. I will never get sick of that place! I have seen it during summer and winter and love it. This visit, it was very busy.
Rhode Island, USA was also great, and I enjoyed the day trip I did to Martha’s Vineyard.
Niagara Falls, Canada.
Do you have any favourite experiences from this trip you would like to share?
London’s National Gallery is a great experience. It is also free and easy to attend, meaning you don’t have to book in advance. I also liked the galleries in Europe, places like Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam. Make sure to book these ahead of time, some of these places are booked out weeks in advance.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, outside Krakow, Poland, is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. This is an interesting place to visit, different to what most people would experience. It’s worth a visit.
Little Venice in London is also worth a visit, I enjoyed a barge trip along the canals and ended up in Camden markets and the famous Hawley Arms Hotel – this was Amy Winehouse’s local pub.
Ruin Bars in Budapest, Hungary are a fun cultural experience, where an old warehouse has been transformed into a bar creating a great atmosphere.
Portland, Oregan, has a real food truck dining culture. I came across several locations where food trucks were the highlight, some places include music and bars with the many food trucks.
Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland.
What was the best food you tried on your trip?
Something I really enjoyed was a spaghetti with chicken/seafood meal that I had at a sidewalk café in Warsaw. It was lovely food and a lovely place to eat in one of the boulevards of cafes, a great experience.
There was also a lot of traditional foods on the European river cruise, that I enjoyed.
Did you learn anything about yourself on this travel adventure?
On this trip, there were many times I asked people for help. On one occasion, in a train station in Warsaw, Poland, I asked a couple for help with my luggage up the stairs. The lovely lady said to me, ‘You’re very brave’ travelling. I had never thought of myself as very brave before, so this was a new thought for me.
Were there any significant challenges you faced on this trip? How did you deal with these?
Luggage was sometimes difficult, especially in transport stations without lifts. I asked for help when I needed it, and this worked well for me.
What advice would you give to someone planning a similar trip?
Like me, ask for help. Especially in places like train stations where you may need assistance with luggage and stairs. People are always willing to help.
Also pack accordingly so that you can manage your luggage yourself as much as possible. Make sure you only have one large bag!
Look outside the box for things like accommodation and places to visit. I’ve stayed in basements, self-contained rooms and accommodation in the suburbs. Avoid the big hotels and cities and use the public transport systems to get around. It will save you money and give you a better travel experience.
Look for transport cards in the places you visit. For example, in San Francisco get a transport card as it covers the cable car, buses and trams. And choose the best rate for your stay, i.e. a 3 day or 5 day pass.
Do you have any other pertinent comments that may inspire other travellers?
I felt stronger and fitter after my holiday. All the exercise while travelling, lots of walking, stairs and sightseeing made me healthier, I lost weight from all the activity. Just another bonus from my travel adventure.
Finally, thank you, COTA Travel Insurance, for covering me. I got many quotes, and you were the only one that would cover me, so thank you very much for making this trip possible.
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