The classic cliche of ‘it’s the journey, not the destination’ is a tricky one.

I feel like anyone who has ever sat on a 16 hour plane ride, to land in a tropical paradise - has never said these words.

However, there’s a part of Australia that is so beautiful, and so picturesque, that this statement actually applies - where rolling green farms meet the ocean and the natural scenery is part of the attraction to visit.

The South Coast.

So, it only made sense to introduce the Grand Pacific Drive Tour into our brochure this year.

Where it really is about the journey.

One of my earliest memories of travel isn’t one particular place, or one particular event.

When I reminisce about my first adventures, I remember… a feeling.

I remember - excitement. Anticipation. The feeling of wonder, about where we were going to go, what we were going to see.

It was a magical moment, and it’s something that has never left me - no matter how many places I see.

It’s also something I believe everyone should experience at least once in their life.

But I understand we weren’t all blessed with the time or money growing up, to go on family holidays. And life gets busy, kids come along and we work hard for our families.

And I do realise the first travel experience can be a daunting thing.

With that in mind, I’ve put together a few tips, if you’re looking to book that first big trip away from home.

You won’t be surprised at the first one…

Imagine…

A tour coach, designed for both luxury and comfort.

Leather seats, with only one on each side of the aisle. No need to fight for the window view.

Your own storage compartment for your books and other essentials.

Your own powerpoint, to charge your phone or camera.

Your own headphones, connected to a sound system with nine channels.

A galley in the centre of the coach to get ice cold water and snacks.

Three TV screens, so you never have to crane your head to watch. Plus - there’s wifi. On the bus.

No, it’s not a fantasy,

It’s the Ultimate New Zealand Tour.

I’ve had a couple of people say to me… ‘So... The Tesselaar Tulip Festival - that’s different! Where did that idea come from?’

To which I say - ‘That is exactly the point. It’s different! And it will be marvelous.’

We’ve got a lot of customers who love all things garden. They come in for a catch up and we chat about whatever they’ve got growing, sharing tricks of the trade. So I knew people would be keen for this event.

But it’s not just about that. To experience this festival - it takes things to a whole new level.

To stand on the hill, looking down at the huge sea of tulips - the vastness of it is astounding. But we’ve included so many other fantastic places on this tour for nature loves.

Plus - it’s just a great part of the world to visit, with so much to see!

Did you know, some of our group tours are just that good, people go twice?

They head off on their adventure, which is jam packed with places to see and things to do - and still want to come back for more.

It takes a pretty special place to do that.

Tasmania is one of them.

So I decided to put together some of my favourite things about this underrated part of our country. Some fun facts, some of the must do’s - some of the reasons why it’s special.

When I think about travel… I think exploring.

I think different locations, sights, smells, food, cultures and people.

Ever since I was a young lad in Holbrook, I would watch the Pioneer Coaches travel past my school and I would tell anyone who would listen -

‘I’m gonna drive them one day.’

And when I was old enough, I did just that and haven’t looked back.

It was different for my wife, Fiona. I always dreamt of touring, it was my choice to pursue my dream

For Fiona - it chose her.

We love to visit the Blue Mountains in winter. We think it’s the perfect time to be there.

Strolling to the galleries and museums, rugging up in the cafe’s for coffee and hiking through the stunning trails - it’s more fun when done with a beanie and gloves on.

So we wanted to take you there. Then we thought - it’s July, why not bring Santa?

I know a good old fashioned Aussie Christmas is pretty special.

But, have you ever wondered what it would be like to celebrate by the fire? In a crisp, cool climate?

Maybe even… dare I say it... snow?

Langley’s is a group travel company - it’s what we do. You probably already know this.

What you may not know, is that we love Norfolk Island. It’s our (not so secret) favourite place. (And we go to a lot of places.)

In fact, we make it our business to offer a premium coach travel service to this sensational place.

We’ve been going there for many years, so we know all the best tours and sights to see. We know how to do Norfolk right.

So basically, what I’m getting at is…

A Langley’s group tour to Norfolk Island is a guaranteed good time.

And here’s why.

It all started with a misprint in the newspaper.

We were advertising for a tour to ‘Armidale,’ but the paper accidentally wrote ‘Adelaide.’

All of a sudden, we were getting phone calls about our so called Adelaide tour, with lots of people keen to go.

After some confusion and setting them straight, we realised.

We better go to Adelaide!

And what better way to begin a trip to South Australia, than with a glorious a river cruise,

And so, the Proud Mary and Adelaide Tour was born.

To say I love this country would be… an understatement.

I love the mystery, the vastness, the beauty - and the people.

I feel very passionately, that those looking to travel, should have a good look around. There is so much to see in our own backyard!

I’m a bit of a trivia man, with lots of (sometimes useless, sometimes handy) facts in my head.

So I thought we’d start the year with a fun little set of interesting tidbits about Australia.

Some you may know, but I’m hoping at least a couple will surprise you!

My parents came from a big family.

My dad’s parents were in Queensland, the rest in New South Wales. So each year, as Christmas came around, we would load up the old Holden, wind the windows down (as there was no air con) and travel around to everyone we needed to see.

Every year, we had more than enough family around. And once I made my own family, we always made sure we fitted everyone in.

So I am lucky enough to have never been lonely.

But that doesn’t mean I don’t think about the people who are on their own at this time of year. And it’s why Langley’s works to spread as much Christmas cheer as we can.

Well, it’s my favourite time of the year again.

Yes, we are in the lead up to Christmas - but that’s not what I’m referring to.

After months of planning, the moment is finally upon us. So much work has gone into this, it feels surreal that it’s finally done.

Our 2019 brochure is here. And it is, in my opinion (hey, it’s gotta count for something) the best one we’re ever put together.

When we found out the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were including Dubbo in their tour of Australia - and that Langley’s was going to have a role in their transportation - several thoughts went through my mind.

First and foremost was - ‘How fantastic for Dubbo. For morale, for the economy and for making our mark on the global stage.’

The second was ‘Oh dear. This is going to require some serious planning.’

And I soon began to feel.... a bit stressed.

But then I looked at my daughter - Office Manager and major Royal fan - Sarah, and saw the big goofy smile on her face.  She was just so excited and I couldn’t help myself. I was giddy too.

Yes, it was going to be a lot of work and the next couple of months were going to be very busy - but my goodness, what a privilege it was to be involved.

And we were going to do our best to make Dubbo proud.

For me, when I think ‘Summer’ - I think, Australian Open.

When I picture those January days, I think about that lazy feeling you get after Christmas, the heat, and sitting with a cold beverage watching the tennis.

It is such an iconic event. To be there in person, watching the ridiculous talent with your own eyes, is something I reckon everyone should do at least once in their life.

To see those serves at 230 km/h in real life is totally different to watching on the telly.

I know that after a big Christmas the idea of organising a trip to Melbourne might seem like something that belongs on the ‘too hard’ list.

But that’s why we’re here!

Our customers are a diverse bunch.

Some are seasoned travellers, who are in (what I believe is) the prime of their life. They’ve been retired for a while and they fill their days with exciting activities. They’re always looking for the next tour to jump on.

Others are newer to the touring experience. They’ve only just started to wind town, starting to appreciate time to themselves again and they’re dipping their toe in the ‘travel’ pool, unsure of where to start.

Whatever your experience, wherever you’re from, everyone is always welcome on a Langley’s coach.

And one thing we commonly get from many of our customers is questions about what to pack for their big getaway.

After so many years touring, I’ve got my essentials down pat. So, I thought I would use this article to share some of them with you, so you’re as prepared as you can be for your next big adventure.

In these ‘Travels with Phil’ stories, I usually write about the trips I’ve taken. The whole idea of the series is to give you a more personal insight into what happens on our tours, from my perspective. 

But this week, I’m doing something a bit different.

As you may already know, we have a new tour taking place next year, one we are very excited about. 

It’s our Great Australian Loop Tour, which will take you through Central, Northern and Western Australia.

It will be a great outback adventure, where you will experience this country’s magnificent scenery, history and communities - all enjoyed from the comfort of our coach.

I wanted to write this article, so that you can understand why we have chosen these places, and why we think this is one for the bucket list.

Imagine spending Christmas, surrounded by family and friends, in a tropical paradise.

Where Santa is handing out gifts, while you sip on pina coladas and listen to festive music.

All the logistics are taken care of. No slaving away, cooking christmas dinner or worrying about organising seating arrangements and transport.

The Christmas feast is all prepared for you - and it’s delicious.

Everyone is relaxed, lying by the pool, reading a book, or taking leisurely strolls through the beautiful pine trees.

No, it’s not a fantasy land.

It’s Christmas in Norfolk Island!

We all know the saying ‘it’s not the destination that matters, it’s the journey.’

Now before you roll your eyes and say ‘what a cliche!’ - there’s just no other way to describe the Great Ocean Road.

Often with our tours, we hop on the bus - and while we definitely take the time to make stops along the way to appreciate what each town has to offer - the focus is on the destination.

The Great Ocean Road and Silo Art Tour is one long appreciation of beauty, culture, history and community.

From start to finish, your destination is constantly changing - and you are constantly being amazed.

There’s nothing quite like grabbing a friend, getting all dressed up and going to a show.

You head to the theatre a little early and grab a cocktail, while everyone stands waiting excitedly, in anticipation of a fantastic evening.

The bell sounds, everyone heads to their seats. The lights dim - the signal to quiet down and wait for the actors to get in their positions.

The curtain comes up, the music starts - and it’s SHOWTIME!

Do you know what I love most about food?

(If you know me, you know there’s a lot - but there is one reason that stands out.)

You could go out for dinner and order spaghetti bolognaise every single night, for five nights, at five different restaurants - and you’ll have a different experience, every time.

Because eating food, while your travelling away from home, is not just about the ingredients you’re being served.

It’s about the way it ties in with the culture of the place you’re visiting. It’s about the scenery you’re looking at while you dine. It’s about the language the waiter who serves you is speaking. And it’s about the new friends you’ve made over dinner.

Food is what brings all the things I love about travelling together, into one beautiful package.