Press Releases

A New Face at Lyn McNaught Travel

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:14:00 GMT

Lyn McNaught Travelscene has a new face onboard with Joe Bovalino joining Lyn and the team as a Senior Travel Consultant, bringing years of experience, knowledge and personalised, good old fashioned service to the office.

Having been involved in the travel industry for over 25 years, including having owned his own travel agency for 17 years, Joe’s years of experience have led him around the globe to many destinations including Europe, Egypt, America, Asia and of course throughout Australia.

Across Joe’s varied travel experiences, he has found Europe the most enjoyable place to visit. “I love the fact that you can visit such a wide variety of countries, experience so many different cultures and the best thing is – they are generally easily accessible in a short amount of time”. Hence, if you are looking for a European holiday, Italy in particular, make sure you contact Joe.

With 2011 rapidly closing, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your 2012 holidays. Lyn, Joe, Shirlie and Lauren will be available to answer any of your travel questions so take the opportunity to meet Joe and book the trip of your lifetime!

The Ultimate Europe Sale - Fly return to Europe from $899! *

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:08:00 GMT

Looking to travel to Europe this Spring?
Then make sure you check out these amazing offers from Trafalgar, Etihad Ariways, Insight Vacations and Lyn McNaught Travel. Call us now as this offer will be ending on the 31st August 2011

If you are interested please contact us on 03 5825 1866 today!

Chicago - A City to Check Out

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:42:00 GMT

This was the second time I have been to the magnificent city of Chicago. Both times I have attended ‘BrickWorld’ a massive Lego convention that attracts people from all over the world. My son Ryan is one of only 13 certified Lego professionals in the world, last year he created a Quantas A380 Airbus and this year, an amazing mega version of ‘The Love Boat’. This year, Ryan was lucky enough to be paid a visit by Captain Stubing (Gavin McLeod) and presented with his very own Captain’s Hat. He was a down to earth, genuine and charming man and Ryan was thrilled. Check www.thebrickman.com for photos of these and others magnificent creations by Ryan.

I took part in an amazing architecture tour of Chicago by boat with two friends Steve and Karl (who is lucky enough to live in Chicago!). We saw so many interesting buildings including the John Hancock Centre where we rode the elevator to the 95^th floor. We were also lucky enough to dine in the ‘Signature Room’ which provided the best views of Chicago.

A trip to the States would not be complete without seeing a baseball game or two. My team – the Chicago Cubs (red, white & blue just like my beloved Western Bulldogs) provided me with great highlights by beating the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Whitesox even though they were underdogs in both games. It was absolutely awesome!

Food and shopping are literally huge in America. The food all comes in huge portions – quite often two to three people can be fed with the one meal so it makes sense to share. Take advantage of the current exchange rate because there is some amazing shopping to be done as well

Chicago is definitely one of my favourite cities to visit in America. Do yourself a favour and make sure you check it out.

River Cruising in Europe 2011

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:43:00 GMT

I have done quite a number of tours of Europe but I would have to say this was definitely one of the most relaxing. Unpacking once is just simply magnificent along with not having to get up at the crack of dawn every day!

The meals were just wonderful and I overindulged more than once, but then again, I was on holidays. There was a great variety of wine to choose from and it was all included with lunch and dinner. Tipping is all included as well so you never have to worry about who or how much you have to pay.

There was plenty of touring options included, visiting a lovely mix of large cities and small towns and villages. One of the best things was waking up each morning with a new landscape knowing that there was another exciting day ahead.

I especially enjoyed the bike riding along windy country paths, meandering through quaint villages without seeing Woolworths, Coles or any large buildings. It made me realize that things in these parts of the world have not changed for centuries.

I would definitely recommend a river cruise holiday as a stress free way of seeing Europe.

Lyn McNaught Travel - Part of Australia's Best Travel Agency Group

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 04:07:00 GMT

As part of Travelscene American Express, Lyn McNaught Travel are thrilled to announce that Travelscene American Express was recognised as the “Best Travel Agency Group in Australia’. The National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) was held on Saturday night with Travelscene American Express beating a tough list of competitors.

This emphasises the high calibre of the Travelscene American Express members including Lyn McNaught Travel emphasising the efforts they make, each and every day to ensure your travel experience is the best that you, the customer can have.

So make sure you call Lyn and her friendly team for any of your travel needs or advice and they will be only too happy to help you receive the highest level of service and commitment.

New Zealand comes to Mooroopna!

Wed, 04 May 2011 02:14:00 GMT

JOIN US FOR A MORNING OUT!
New Zealand Comes to Mooroopna.

Special 2 hour mystery bus trip on board Grand Pacific’s Luxury Gold Class Coach. Learn about your complete New Zealand Coach Holiday.

Morning Tea all included!

CALL LYN TO RSVP NOW – 5825 1866

Lyn McNaught Travel Golf Day a Raging Success

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:33:00 GMT

The Lyn McNaught Golf Day held on the 19th March was again a raging success. The 200 golfers were treated to an amazing day of weather, hospitality and prizes along with raising much needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis Australia.

Taking the form of a Four Ball, Best Ball Stableford, the winners of a 5 day holiday, including airfares courtesy of Lyn McNaught were Matt Morritt and Matthew Watson with Jeremy Pratt and John Watson taking second place and winning tickets to the Presidents Cup and one nights’ accommodation in Melbourne.

Unfortunately, no one managed to ace the 17th hole and drive away in a new Subaru Impreza R; however Danny Hooper took home a 50-inch plasma HDTV courtesy of Harvey Norman, Shepparton.

“It was a fantastic day, the weather was absolutely perfect and we witnessed some great golf”. More importantly, over $2800 was raised for Cystic Fibrosis Australia and everyone enjoyed themselves. I’m looking forward to next year already” said Lyn.

Incredible India

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:33:00 GMT

Have you ever been fascinated by a country and for years yearned to go and see for yourself just what it is like; to see, to touch, to smell and to taste the uniqueness of that country?

Well we’ve done that – all three of us (and all over 60!) learned about India at school and each of us held our own desire to discover the real India. Enough of reading the books and watching the documentaries; we had to do something about it - Enter Lyn McNaught Travel.

We had to get the most out of limited budgets and enjoy the best we could find – that was the challenge we put to them. AND Lyn and her exceptional team did just that!!

We visited the Golden Triangle – Delhi, Jaipur and Agra and Nepal. Every step of the way, we saw and had explained to us in depth, the intricate and diverse history of the most magnificent buildings we have ever seen.

From the very open and English designed official buildings of Delhi, to then enter Jaipur (the Pink City) and experience the cacophony life of Indian culture, bustling and jostling through the hectic streets, alive with color, was tantalizing enough. But that is the tip of the iceberg – historical Persian buildings and English forts and buildings woven into the current overflowing Indian living. How about a camel pulling a cart through the chaos of Delhi peak hour traffic, with the driver taking a nap in the cart? That’s India.

There really are no words to describe the Taj Mahal – REALLY!!! You HAVE to see it to believe it. After Agra, and the Taj Mahal, we went back to Delhi and on to Nepal to experience Kathmandu, tucked into the breathtaking Himalaya’s.

From Nepal we flew to Kolkata and took an overnight train to Sambalpur (in the state of Orissa) where a Shepparton Church supports an orphanage of 55 children. After spending a couple of days with the children and being invited into the home of local villagers for a meal, we again caught the overnight train to Kolkata to return home.

We were picked up and transported from Hotel to venue every day and our conscientious driver looked after us as though all 3 could have been his own grandmother. The people who we met were happy, very funny and friendly. You can’t explain the wonders of India, you actually feel it.

Thinking about going to Incredible India? Do it – just do it.

Lyn McNaught Travel Golf Day this Saturday!

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:34:00 GMT

Keen golfers from all over Victoria will be teeing off on Saturday in hope of winning a 5 night holiday including airfares to New Zealand, courtesy of Lyn McNaught Travel. This is the second year running that Lyn McNaught Travel will be the major sponsor of a great day raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Australia with over 200 golfers.

Once again, the day is being held at the Mooroopna Golf Club on Saturday 19th March, teeing off at 7.30am and is a Four Ball, Best Ball Stableford where teams may comprise two men, two women or a man and a woman.

There are some other great prizes available including accommodation and tickets to the President’s Cup at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in November, a three piece luggage set, tickets to the Medallion Club at Etihad Stadium and a round of golf for four at the 13th Beach Golf Club in Geelong.

And if you are on the look-out for a new car then you would be advised to be on your game at the 17th! The person who aces this hole will receive a new Subaru Impreza R, courtesy of Ken Muston Automative and Sherbourne Insurance. Nearest to pin at the 10th hole will win a 50-inch plasma HDTV courtesy of Harvey Norman, Shepparton.

“This is going to be a fantastic day”, says Lyn, “with great prizes, great company and the chance to raise money for, and awareness of, cystic fibrosis.”

Lyn McNaught Sponsors Shepparton Junior Soccer Association

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:35:00 GMT

Lyn McNaught Travel is extremely excited to announce that they are the newest sponsor of the Shepparton Junior Soccer Association (SJSA for the upcoming season commencing on the 30th April. With teams from schools across the Greater Shepparton area, the SJSA is one of Australia’s largest stand-alone leagues with over 135 teams involving over 1200 participants.

“It is great to see kids involved in sport and we see Junior Soccer as being an integral part of the community” If we can help out and support the league, it can only be beneficial for all of Shepparton” said Lyn McNaught.

“We will be involved with different things throughout the season from helping host barbecues, Player of the Month Awards for the Under 6, 7 & 9 leagues, The end of year Tournament Day and hopefully my son Ryan will be able to make an appearance with his world wide known Lego models” added Lyn.

Mick Italia, President of the SJSA is rapt to have Lyn McNaught Travel on board for the season “Lyn’s been part of the Greater Shepparton community for over 20 years now and to have Lyn McNaught Travel as a major sponsor is a fantastic thing as it will benefit all clubs as well as the league itself”

“With Lyn being Northern Victoria’s Travel with Kidz specialist it’s almost a perfect fit!” said Mick. For more information on the upcoming SJSA season check out their website www.sjsa.com.au or email mitalia@mcmedia.com.au

Have a Holiday Coming Up? Ensure Your Home is Safe

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:35:00 GMT

Lyn McNaught Travel has some great tips to make sure your home is ready for your holidays - so you can have a stress free getaway and arrive home with no unpleasant surprises.

Lyn McNaught, a proud Member of Australia’s largest premium travel group, Travelscene American Express have your holiday plans covered, and has some simple and cost effective tips and precautions that you can take before you leave to make sure your home is safer while you’re gone.

“It is better to be safe than sorry so we encourage all Christmas Travelers to take these precautions when they are planning their Holiday. If you follow these home safety tips, then you can have complete peace of mind on your trip and possibly avoid devastation when you arrive home.” said Lyn McNaught.

Lyn McNaught Travel Tip #1:
Look to the neighbours.

Make sure your neighbours know you are going away and ask them to keep an eye on your house in case they see anything suspicious. Give them your number and itinerary if they need to contact you in case of emergency. And, if possible, asking them to put out and bring in the rubbish bins will make a big difference in hiding your absence

Lyn McNaught Travel Tip #2:
Don’t advertise your holiday

It’s good to be excited about your trip, but only tell people you trust about it otherwise its best to save the news until you have returned to a safe home – you don’t want too many people knowing you are away and how long you are gone for because a home left empty while its owners are traveling is a tempting target for criminals. Be particularly careful with what you share online about your plans.

Lyn McNaught Travel Tip #3:
Leave some lights on.

Ask the person who is watching your home, feeding pets and bringing in the mail to rotate which lights are switched on at night. Leave some blinds open and some closed, a thief will assume the house is empty if all the lights are off, and the blinds are down.

Lyn McNaught Travel Tip #4:
Stop all deliveries.

A clear giveaway that a house is vacant is the number of newspapers lying on the front deck or in the garden. Cancel your newspapers before you even start packing and put your mail on hold at the Post Office or have someone collect your mail!

Lyn McNaught Travel #5:
Install solar powered lights.

Motion sensors deter any weird activity on your property, if a potential robber is suddenly exposed by the light they might think twice about continuing further. Solar powered lights are inexpensive and do not require any electricity usage.

“We want the best possible travel experience for our customers, to ensure you aren’t stressing about the security of your home once you have left for that perfect holiday. When you are planning your get away and before you even pack, make sure you review this checklist so then you can relax and have a more enjoyable holiday” said Lyn.

Lyn McNaught Travel is locally owned and operated and a proud member of Travelscene Amerian Express, Australia’s most respected travel network and voted Australia’s Best Travel Agency Group 2006 and 2008.

Lyn McNaught on show at Shepparton Bush Market

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:41:00 GMT

Enjoy the carnival style atmosphere of the Shepparton Bush Market on the 25th and 26th of February and make sure you visit Lyn McNaught and her team from Lyn McNaught Travel who will be situated just outside Collins Bookstore.

Lyn will be on available throughout the two days to chat to people about all her fully escorted international trips coming up this year including Worlds of Fun USA, Europe River Cruising and Ancient Civilisations & Wildlife Tour. As well as these, Lyn and her friendly staff Shirlie and Lauren can help you out with any of your travel needs including insurance, luggage and travel books.

As an added incentive to visit, Lyn’s son Ryan has built a huge Qantas sign made from Lego blocks – how many you ask? I can’t tell you that as there will be a competition to guess how many were actually used! A fantastic prize will be donated by Lyn McNaught for the correct guesser with all money raised being donated directly to Cystic Fibrosis Australia.

So start planning or even just thinking about your next holiday and come along, have a chat and catch the Travel Bug with Lyn McNaught Travel.

Wishing for a Tiger Fish

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:42:00 GMT

Fully Escorted by Phil Clement

This two week tour, starting on Sunday 31st July, is fully escorted by experienced guide and fisherman Phil Clement taking in the wonderful scenery of Africa. We begin in Zambia, where we have a guided tour of Victoria Falls, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, and an "Encounter with the Lions". You will also embark on a unique elephant back safari, an unforgettable experience where you will interact with the elephants as well as enjoy a ride through wilderness areas and beautiful riverine scenery.

After a good night’s rest, we will move onto the upper Zambezi for the next five days where the keen angler can pursue the world renowned Tiger Fish as well as many other large species of fish including the possibility of experiencing a Zambezi Catfish run.

Onto Chobe Game Lodge. This beautiful riverside retreat is set in the heart of Chobe National Park and has spectacular views across the flood plains. Leisure activities to partake in including game viewing by boat or overland vehicle, fishing, nature trails and visits to nearby places of interest. Whilst game viewing you will be astonished and amazed by the parade of fabulous animals, such as lions, leopards, elephants, giraffe, zebras, and many others including abundant bird life.

For bookings and inquiries please call any of our consultants on 03 5825 1866. Click here for more details - www.lynmcnaught.com

Golf Day 2011: Call for Entries

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:43:00 GMT

Entries are now being taken for the second annual Lyn McNaught Golf Day being held at Mooroopna Golf Club on the 19^th March 2011. Lyn McNaught Travel will again be the major sponsor of a great day raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Australia with over 200 golfers taking part.

There are some great prizes up for grabs including a 5 night holiday including airfares to New Zealand with this wonderful prize being sponsored by Qantas, Travelscene Holiday and Lyn McNaught Travel.

Other prizes include overnight accommodation and a day pass to the President’s Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club and a three piece luggage set courtesy of Lyn McNaught Travel and Mooroopna Golf Club.

“It will be a great day, with terrific prizes and an opportunity to raise funds for a worthwhile cause” Lyn said.

“Cystic fibrosis impacts so many individuals, and their families, and any money raised will be returned to the Cystic Fibrosis Australia to assist sufferers and their carers,” Lyn said.

There are some other fantastic prizes available on the day including a new Subaru Impreza R, courtesy of Ken Muston Automotive and Sherbourne Insurance for anyone who can manage a hole in one on the 17^th hole. A closest to the pin will be held on the 10^th hole, with the winner receiving a 50-inch plasma HDTV donated by Harvey Norman.

Entry forms are available from Mooroopna Golf Club and must be completed and returned to the club with payment of $50 per pair by Tuesday 15^th March. Get in quick to enjoy a magnificent day of golf and fun whilst raising money for a very worthy cause.

“Georgia on My Mind”

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:44:00 GMT

(South Georgia Antarctica that is)

Have you ever been to a place that is so stunningly beautiful that you have to pinch yourself to make sure you are really there? Well I have just been to that very place, a place that is so amazing they say ‘God goes to for his own holidays’, that place is South Georgia in the Antarctic.

Waking up at 4am is easy down this way; you are so excited that it is almost impossible to sleep in case you miss something. Day or night - only the clock can tell, as it is light for almost 23 hours a day. We board the Zodiacs at 5:40 a.m. for our cruise around Elsehul. Our Zodiac driver David McGonigal, also our Expedition Leader, has a vast knowledge and love of this area. Seals bob their heads up to greet us as we make our way closer to shore, and we are treated to a display of friendly rivalry by the Fur and

Elephant Seals, we are even privileged enough to see the birth of a baby Fur Seal.

Stepping ashore at Prion Island we are greeted by some very hostile yet playful Fur Seals. We manage to weave our way up the beach and climb the small hill to get our first glimpse of Wandering Albatross nesting. These graceful birds have a wingspan of 3 metres.

Arriving at Salisbury Plain, the home of about 100,000 plus King Penguins, I could hardly contain my excitement, a sight that will never be erased from my mind - a stunning landscape of snowcapped peaks, a crescent shaped beach cluttered with Fur and Elephant Seals, Skuas, Albatross, and Cormorants all flying around looking for their next feed. King Penguins as far as the eye can see, some swimming, some sleeping and in amongst all of this, thousands of King Penguin Chicks.

The morning spent at Gold Harbour, we were again we are greeted by a wonderful array of wildlife, the giant Elephant Seals, the nasty Fur Seals, and it is here we get our first glimpse of the Gentoo Penguins.

There is a 15 foot rule but someone forgot to tell the Penguins as sometimes they peck at your boots or nose into your camera bag, mostly they waddle away very unimpressed by it all.

Landing on shore, several large fur seals guarding their beach, tiny baby seals crawl around us not afraid to come and say hello. As we were taking off our life jackets and getting prepared for our walk up through the tussock grass to see the nesting Macaroni Penguins, two large fur seals having an argument between themselves, suddenly came thundering down the hill towards us, brushing our legs as they land on the beach in front of us. On the way back to the ship two icebergs that look like giant shoes appear out of the mist.

Arriving at Grifviken we land at King Edward Point where we walk to the cemetery to toast ‘The Boss’

Ernest Shackleton. We all gather around his grave with paper cups full of whiskey, a poem is read and we all give thanks to this brave explorer who so long ago lost his life. The next few hours are spent exploring the old Whaling Station, visiting the Post Office and Museum.

It’s hard to believe how many hours you can just spend watching all of the magnificent wildlife and scenery. You wonder when someone will come and wake you up – surely you must be dreaming and you keep asking yourself does it get any better than this, I don’t think so.