6 Travel Books To Lift Your Spirits
April 23, 2020
In the age of closed borders and social distancing, it's time to rediscover travel books! Explore th...
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So how did we get from martyrdoms to the modern traditions of romance and love?
Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, including Saint Valentine of Rome whose first romantic inklings come from a 3rd-century written account of his imprisonment for performing forbidden weddings for soldiers. The Roman Emperor Claudius II forbade them to marry, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers.
It wasn't until the 18th-century in England that Valentine's Day became an occasion for lovers to express their affection for each other with flowers, sweets and greeting cards. Clearly, not much has changed in a few hundred years. As for trying to stop marriages in Italy, Emperor Claudius II must have had rocks in his head. After all, is there a more romantic place on the planet?
We asked ATAS-accredited travel experts for their thoughts.
The first place Debbie Collins thinks of is Paris. It might be a bit of a cliché, but for good reason. As Debbie, Personal Travel Specialist and Accredited Cruise Masters Consultant at Spencer Travel (Sydney, NSW travel agency) puts it:
"Paris is the living city of love, the language is beautiful, the food is divine, and walking beside the Seine on a warm Summer's evening is just about the most romantic travel experience I can imagine."
Paris, the city of love. But romance isn't the exclusive territory of Paris. Debbie's tip for ramping up the romance wherever you are, is to arrange a couple's massage followed by a private dinner for two under the stars—weather-permitting, of course. "That works just about anywhere", quips Debbie.
For Carissa Johnson, Manager of ATAS-accredited travel agency Shire Travel (Sydney, NSW), the romantic pull of the Indian Ocean is irresistible. "The Maldives offer the ultimate beach settings with white, powdery sand, turquoise water and friendly, local service", says Carissa. Like Debbie, she also suggests that experiences can heighten the romance.
"Splurge on once-in-a-lifetime activities such as snorkelling with Manta Rays, diving with Whale sharks or underwater dining. Sunset drinks and a private destination dinner are the perfect romantic ending to the day. And if you're travelling as a family, pre-book a babysitter to give the grown-ups much needed reconnection time without distraction", suggests Carissa insightfully.
With so many gorgeous resorts in the Maldives, Carissa recommends working with the right travel agent to find the perfect resort for you. "It's surprisingly easy to get it wrong if you don't know the destination. And beyond that, your ATAS accredited travel agent will have access to exclusive specials and perks like, for example, a complimentary romantic welcome gift in your room on arrival", says Carissa.
The ultimate splurge on your Valentine on a luxury destination"Sometimes less really is more. I always recommend not booking too rushed an itinerary so you can spend quality time together. Having said that, you really should book your essentials—like private transfers and any special romantic touches—before you travel so you don’t waste precious holiday time organising these things on the run. Your ATAS accredited travel agent can sort all of this out for you in a snap", adds Karen.
We also asked Karen if she thought any mode of travel was particularly romantic. "A number of airlines have some astonishing premium cabins and classes now, but cruising is definitely where the romance is. Many newer boutique ships offer a much more intimate style of cruising than the larger ships that carry thousands of passengers.
Wendy Macfarlane, travel advisor at Travel Associates Erina (Central Coast, NSW travel agency), can't go past Santorini, Greece, as the world's most romantic spot. "I had my honeymoon there, and the scenery and Mediterranean ocean breezes are still etched in my mind! Santorini is stunningly beautiful in many ways, and has the most gorgeous sunsets and views anywhere", says Wendy.
Having travelled to more than 25 countries, Bondi Beach based Jacqui Cameron from ATAS accredited Travel Counsellors (Sydney, NSW) agrees with her. "Santorini sunsets over the brilliant blue Aegean Sea are complete show-stoppers", says Jacqui.
The perfect recipe for maximising holiday romance? "Put your devices down, enjoy cocktails, let sunsets wash over you, and head out for nice dinners", advises Jacqui. As for romantic modes of transport, Jacqui is fairly agnostic.
"To be honest, I think travel by any means of transport is romantic. Especially if you are with the right person", she says.
Who are we to argue with that?
Your ATAS travel agent can help ensure you are set prior to heading off on your romantic getaway but here are a few travel warnings and useful tips to keep in mind. ATAS travel agents recommend that Australia passport holders register for travel alerts before they travel.
Looking for more insights from ATAS-accredited travel agents? Read about the benefits of taking the slow train in our high speed world, cruising with kids, and new ways to see some of your favourite cities.
Shop 45, The Strand
Marine Parade
COOLANGATTA , QLD
Shop 55/400 Stafford Road
STAFFORD , QLD
Shop 7 , 77 Camelia Avenue
EVERTON HILLS , QLD
9/1 Ridgeview Drive
PEREGIAN SPRINGS , QLD
Shop 18, Yamba Shopping Fair
Treelands Drive
YAMBA , NSW
Shop 253, Level 2, Westfield S/T
28 Victor Street
CHATSWOOD , NSW
803/83 Mount Street
NORTH SYDNEY , NSW
Shop 86, St Ives Shopping Village
166 Mona Vale Rd
ST IVES , NSW
Unit G16/ 27 Lonsdale Street
BRADDON , ACT
Shop T350, Errina Fair S/C
620-658 Terrigal Drive
ERINA , NSW
Ground Floor, Union Building
University of Queensland
ST LUCIA , QLD
Westfield North Lakes
1245 Anzac Ave & North Lakes Drive
NORTH LAKES , QLD
10-12 / 46-52 Ocean Street
VICTOR HARBOR , SA
Shop 5, 316 The Boulevard
CITY BEACH , WA
231 Lower Heidelberg Road
IVANHOE EAST , VIC
22 Pentlowe Ave
LOWER TEMPLESTOWE , VIC
6 / 81 Old South Head Road
BONDI JUNCTION , NSW
Bayside Village Shopping Centre
Cnr Jetty and Brighton Road
GLENELG , SA
Shop 4a Two Rocks Shopping Centre
10 Enterprise Avenue
TWO ROCKS , WA
18 Fingal Ave
GLENHAVEN , NSW
Shop 20a, Booval Fair Shopping Centre
Brisbane Road
BOOVAL , QLD
Shop 3, The Co-Op Heart of the Barossa
1 Murray Street
NURIOOTPA , SA
Level 6, 277 Elizabeth Street
SYDNEY , NSW
Shop T104a
35 Kings Road
HYDE PARK , QLD
Level 14 275 Alfred Street
NORTH SYDNEY , NSW
Suite 3
186 Byrnes Street
Mareeba , QLD
Level 7, 117 York Street
SYDNEY , NSW
Level 1
259-263 Collins Street
MELBOURNE , VIC
Level 8, 309 Pitt Street
SYDNEY , NSW
Shop 3030, Westfield Southland SC
1239 Nepean Highway
CHELTENHAM , VIC
4 / 13A Montgomery Street
KOGARAH , NSW
6 Middlemiss Street
LAVENDER BAY , NSW
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Westfield Office Tower
Doncaster , VIC
Shop 2098, Westfield Kotara
Cnr Park & Northcott Ave
KOTARA , NSW
22/17 Eramosa Road West
SOMERVILLE , VIC
Shop 2, 25 John St
WARNERS BAY , NSW
67 Astor Terrace
SPRING HILL , QLD
Shop TD.01B
Hope Island Market Place
99-103 Broadwater Ave
HOPE ISLAND , QLD
Shop 24
Lake Haven Centre
43 Lake Have Drive
LAKE HAVEN , NSW
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TOWNSVILLE , QLD
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221 Main North Road
SEFTON PARK , SA
T05a, 222 Fischer Street
TORQUAY , VIC
1/321 Sheridan Street
CAIRNS NORTH , QLD
137 Crown Street
WOLLONGONG , NSW
Suite 1203
Level 12
22 Market Street
SYDNEY , NSW
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478 The Esplanade
WARNERS BAY , NSW
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125 Riseley Street
BOORAGOON , WA
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300 Barangaroo Avenue
SYDNEY , NSW
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Molly Morgan Drive
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1020 North East Road
MODBURY , SA
Shop 1 / 6-10
Old Princess Hwy
BEACONSFIELD , VIC
Shop 807
Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre
WAURN PONDS , VIC
953 Nepean Highway
BENTLEIGH , VIC
Ground Floor, 3 Raglan St
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1151 Creek Road
CARINDALE , QLD
107/232 Robina Town Centre Drive
ROBINA , QLD
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300 Old Cleveland Road
Corner Cavendish Road & Holdsworth Street
COORPAROO , QLD
Shop 9 Salamander Shopping Centre
SALAMANDER BAY , NSW
Suite 3, Level 27 Governor Macquarie Tower
SYDNEY , NSW
Level 1, Lingate House,
409-411 New South Head Road
DOUBLE BAY , NSW
19 Brolga Avenue
SOUTHPORT , QLD
Level 1, 35 Grafton Street
BONDI JUNCTION , NSW
Suite 2, 4th Floor
828 Pacific Hwy
GORDON , NSW
Shop B323, Chadstone S.C.
1341 Dandenong Road
CHADSTONE , VIC
Maroondah Village
401 Maroondah Highway
NORTH CROYDON , VIC
Shop 6
2 Burwood Highway
EAST BURWOOD , VIC
208/33 Lexington Drive
BELLA VISTA , NSW
Thrift Park Shopping Centre
171 Nepean Highway
MENTONE , VIC
Level 5
309 Kent Street
SYDNEY , NSW
4/115 Grand Boulevard
JOONDALUP , WA
Suite 31a
12 Tryon Road
LINDFIELD , NSW
Suite 201
7 Jeffcott Street
WEST MELBOURNE , VIC
Level 1, Unit 2, 17 Carter Road
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Level 1 / 354A Pacific Highway
LINDFIELD , NSW
6-7 /3368 Pacific Highway
SPRINGWOOD , QLD
Shop 91A The Pines S/C
DONCASTER EAST , VIC
Unit 1C Level 2
5-9 Ricketty Street
MASCOT , NSW
Level 10, 68 Alfred St
MILSONS POINT , NSW
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FERNTREE GULLY , VIC
The Gap Village
Shop 12/1000 Waterworks Road
THE GAP , QLD
Suite 808, Level 8
343 LIttle Collins Street
Melbourne , VIC
Shop F06, Carindale Shopping Centre
1151 Creek Road
CARINDALE , QLD
Suite 701/22 Market Street
Sydney , NSW
Shop 8, 4 Guava Way
HALLS HEAD , WA
Silverton Place - Ground Floor - Suite 109
Brisbane
BRISBANE , QLD
Suite 7A, 117 Old Pittwater Road
BROOKVALE , NSW
79 Glen Osmond Road
EASTWOOD , SA
Suite 1 (Rear Entrance)
10-12 Chapel Street
BLACKBURN , VIC
Shop 218
Carlingford Court Shopping Centre
CARLINGFORD , NSW
58 Ferguson Street
WILLIAMSTOWN , VIC
Level 2
Bayside Village Shopping Village
Cnr Brighton & Jetty Rds
GLENELG , SA
156 Union Road
SURREY HILLS , VIC
Suite 18, Plaza Chambers
3-15 Dennis Road
SPRINGWOOD , QLD
Shop 33 Newcomb Central
71 Bellarine Highway
Newcomb
GEELONG , VIC
131 Byrnes Street
MAREEBA , QLD
Cnr Bolsover & Denham Street
ROCKHAMPTON , QLD
158 Duckworth Street
GARBUTT , QLD
Eastland Shopping Centre
171-175 Maroondah Highway
RINGWOOD , VIC
Shop 3
2 Crowther Avenue
GREENWICH , NSW
Global Travel Specialists- Mobile
GILEAD CAMPBELLTOWN , NSW
12 Pirie Street
ADELAIDE , SA
Shop 1111a, Level 1 Highpoint S.C.
Rosamond Road
MARIBYRNONG , VIC
Shop T48 Pacific Werribee
Corner Derrimut and Heaths Roads
WERRIBEE , VIC
Shop 1
Wellington Centre
60 Liverpool St
HOBART , TAS
54 Brisbane Street
LAUNCESTON , TAS
Suite 4
66 Commercial Drive
SHAILER PARK , QLD
Shop 5, 324 Queen Street
BRISBANE , QLD
172 Margaret Street
TOOWOOMBA , QLD
Shop 1004, Level 1, Westfield Bondi
Cnr Oxford & Grosvenor Streets
BONDI JUNCTION , NSW
Level 1, 64 Victor Crescent
Narre Warren , VIC
Suite 8, 311 Glen Osmond Road
GLENUNGA , SA
Imperial Shopping Centre
171 Mann Street
GOSFORD , NSW
230 Como Parade West
PARKDALE , VIC
suite 1 314-322 Darling street
BALMAIN , NSW
2615/101 Bathurst Street
Sydney , NSW
Suite 13, Tedder Terraces,
Cnr Hughes & Tedder Ave
MAIN BEACH , QLD
118 Edinburgh Road
CASTLECRAG , NSW
154-14 Student Centre 154, University Avenue
Australian National University
ACTON , ACT
22 Kenthurst Rd
ROUND CORNER , NSW
Level 2, Bayside Shopping Village
Cnrs Jetty and Brighton Roads
GLENELG , SA
By Appointment Only
219 Sunnydene Road
CHANDLER , QLD
Level 16
333 Ann Street
BRISBANE , QLD
Shop 9B Thirroul Plaza
282-298 Lawrence Hargrave Drive
THIRROUL , NSW
Level 14, 22 Market Street
SYDNEY , NSW
Unit 12 Level 3
647-649 George Street
Sydney , NSW
Building 17, IT Resource Centre
Wollongong Uni, Northfields Dve
WOLLONGONG , NSW
Campus Centre
Shop G24, Campus Centre (Building 10)
Monash University
CLAYTON , VIC
Shop 1428, Warringah Mall
Condamine St & Old Pittwater Rd
BROOKVALE , NSW
18 Macedon Road
LOWER TEMPLESTOWE , VIC
Shop L01/066 Penrith Westfield
Henry Street
PENRITH , NSW
Shop 4, Ocean Village Shopping Centre
Kilpa Court
CITY BEACH , WA
Weston Arcade
Brierly Street
WESTON , ACT
6 Pioneer Place
KATOOMBA , NSW
9/144-148 NICHOLSON STREET
FOOTSCRAY , VIC
shop 2004
Westfield
297 Diagonal Rd
OAKLANDS PARK , SA
Shop 1, 101-107 Murray Street
GAWLER , SA
Shop 3/59 Semaphore Road
SEMAPHORE , SA
Shop 5 Southgate Shopping Centre
Corner Princess Hwy & Port Hacking Rd
SYLVANIA , NSW
St Georges Basin Country Club
11 Paradise Beach Road
SANCTUARY POINT , NSW
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READ MOREDue to the unprecedented level of enquiry, as a result of the crisis caused by the global pandemic and Australian government travel ban, most travel agencies are currently experiencing exceptionally large volumes of calls and emails requesting information to cancel, change, rebook and alter bookings.
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