Australians now understand the imperative of having a good quality travel insurance policy when travelling internationally.  You may wonder why you should invest in travel insurance if you are exploring your own country. Theoretically you are covered for emergency medical assistance and evacuation – one of the biggest travel insurance claims internationally. Cover varies between insurance companies and from top to basic policies, but here are five answers to the question, “why should I have domestic travel insurance”? 

Lost in Mongolia appeals to Aussie’s – they relish the idea of roaming the steppe wilderness in the ‘footsteps of nomadic herders’ (without a fence in sight), learning about its rich cultural heritage, unique Buddhism/Shamanism religion and connecting with the legendary stories of Genghis (Ghinggis) Khan. 

I can testify to this having just returned from an adventurous trip to Mongolia with 11 intrepid IPT travellers – completing visits to Khustain Nuruu, Hogno Khan and Khan Kentii National Parks, Karakorum, Orkhon Valley along with Ikh Nart Nature Reserve in East Gobi.

Having finally washed the last of the Gobi desert dust out of my hair I wanted to share a few unique experiences of this inspiring journey through the cradle of the Mongol civilisation - some our group will probably not forget. This is not a trip for the "faint hearted" - but if you can forego some creature comforts then the rewards are there to be had.

We are excited to share some new adventures in our 2017/18 walking holiday brochure (issue 2). If you are on our postal list, you will be receiving a copy in the mail shortly.

For the end of 2017, we have reintroduced Flinders Island, the Australian Alps and a spring departure of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. We also have new 2018 tours to Oman, Mallorca and the Greek Islands. 

This Photo Story was kindly supplied by Brian Alston and Betty Weiler - guests on our inaugural 2016 Vanuatu - South Pacific Paradise Journey.

The earth below us rumbled, there was a huge billowing of grey/brown smoke, followed by a short fireworks display as molten rocks shot into the air and then fell, still glowing red, with a clunk to the ground. Such is the might and awe of Yasur, the most accessible active volcano in the world, on the Island of Tanna, Vanuatu.

Here we were on the rim of an active volcano, standing in the darkness, waiting expectantly for the next explosion and light show. Hardly what you might expect from an Island paradise, surrounded by coral reefs, exotic fish, palm fringed beaches and crystal clear blue waters. Vanuatu has lots more to offer the intrepid traveller. Beyond the well-trodden tourist trails and cruise ship bedraggled Port Villa there is a myriad of authentic cultural experiences and adventures to be had.

In 1975, my parents Tony and Connie Groom led their first walking tour to the USA and Canada. My brother Dave and I looked forward to receiving their postcards. In June/July 2016, I finally took my travel-loving 16 year old daughter, Inari on our Dolomites to the Oberland journey. It took quite some time to convince the school that this would be of benefit to her Year 11 education, but like all travel, I believe it’s one of those priceless things we can do with our friends and families.