Down Under Answers
We take pride in our service and we love to share what satisfied DUA customers have to say about us!
Meet Our Team
Our Destination Specialists
At Down Under Answers, our success is based on our wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry. We want to delight you in every way and we believe our team of dedicated destination specialists will exceed your thoughts on what customer service should be about… and that’s you!
Come and meet our talented team!
SUE-ANN HIME, Account Manager / Destination Specialist
Hometown: Mmmm.. have not lived in Australia for 17 years. Used to live in Dimbulah; parents live in Gympie, I grew up in Yeppoon. A true Queenslander through and through.
Favorite South Pacific Destination: Queenland
Favorite Food: Seafood
Favorite Wine: Something Australian. Jacob’s Creek Reserve Shiraz
Favorite Music: Alternative
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: Lord Howe Island
Travel Tip: Always take a small towel on the plane- much nicer than having to wipe your face with the paper towels.
ANNA CRISPIN, Destination Specialist
Hometown: Hobart, Tasmania
Favorite South Pacific Destination: Tasmania of course! This unique island has something for everyone - beautiful beaches, amazing scenery, diverse wildlife and a cosmopolitan city.
Favorite Food: Definitely Thai. Although nothing beats fresh fish and chips from the fish punts on Hobart Wharf.
Favorite Wine: New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc - nothing else comes close!
Favorite Music: A bit of everything but particularly like U2, and Aussie band Powderfinger.
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: Bruny Island, located just a 45 minute drive and 30 minute ferry ride south of Hobart. I grew up right near here and truly believe that it has some of the most stunning scenery and wildlife in Tasmania.
Travel Tip: Try to fit some leisure time into your vacation, to give yourself time to absorb everything. Oh and pack everything that makes you happy, even if it includes 5 pairs of shoes!
ALLISON HOGAN, Destination Specialist
Hometown: Alstonville, Nr Ballina/Byron Bay, Northern NSW, Australia.
Favorite South Pacific Destination: Queensland: Bundaberg makes the best rum in the world!
Favorite Food: King Prawns fresh off the trawler in Ballina.
Favorite Wine: NZ Sauvignon blanc, oops yes, it is a Kiwi wine
Favorite Music: Alternative - anything from the 80’s
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: Bundaberg Rum
Travel Tip: Pack half what you think you need.
KIM CALLAHAN, Destination Specialist
Hometown: San Diego
About Me: I have a twin brother who lives in Japan and an older brother in Austin TX. I have a daughter and soon to make official two step-daughters. I’m engaged to the funniest man I know and we’re getting married on Sat Sept 11, 2010!!
Favorite Destination: My two favorite destinations are Fiji & the Top End. I think Fiji is the most romantic place on earth and the people are so incredibly hospitable and nice, it makes me smile whenever I think of them. I fell in love with Darwin/National Parks because the landscape is so diverse and the wildlife is plentiful.
MATT GREENHAM, Destination Specialist
Hometown: Perth, WA
Favorite South Pacific Destination: Airlie Beach & the Whitsunday Islands
Favorite Food: Seafood, Mangos & Black Forest Cake
Favorite Wine: Margaret River region, Western Australia. Amberley Chenin Blanc on a summer afternoon
Favorite Music: I mainly listen to music when I run, so whatever keeps me entertained on the day.
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: Fraser Island, Queensland. Lakes, rainforest and a beach highway. Great spot.
Travel Tip: In the south pacific, allow time in a vacation for a few days of ocean, sand and salty air – relax.
CATHI LANDOWSKI, Destination and Tasmania Specialist
Hometown: Varied – from London to New Zealand to Oregon.
Favorite South Pacific Destination: Tasmania – It offers everything you could want in one place: amazing wildlife, fascinating history, beautiful food and scenery that will take your breath away! But then again, I do love Rotorua!
Favorite Food: Kangaroo Island’s haloumi cheese!
Favorite Wine: No wine for me: I’ll take a Cascade Brewery’s Ginger Beer though.
Favorite Music: Glee Soundtrack
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: There are a few: Trowunna Wildlife Park – a wildlife park in Tasmania that specializes in Tasmanian Devils. We can set up private tours of the park that will get you up close and personal to your favorite Australian animals. Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island is one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in the South Pacific. Everything about it is stellar: from the amazing staff, scrumptious food, breathtaking views, soothing spa and fantastic touring. Platinum Class on the Indian Pacific: Never thought train travel could be that luxurious! Waking up with the sun rising over the outback of New South Wales is something I’ll always remember. Rotorua: Who would think that I’d love a place you can smell before you actually see it? Rotorua has so much to offer: Maori culture, amazing geothermal experiences, beautiful landscapes. Call me strange, but I could watch mud boil for hours!
Travel Tip: You can’t see everything in two weeks. Pick some amazing experiences, stay longer than you think you’d want to and then plan your next trip back for more!
MELODIE WEBSTER, Destination Specialist
Hometown: Monmouth, Oregon
Favorite South Pacific Destination: Sydney, best city I’ve ever been to and I’ve been to a lot!
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Wine: Cabernet Savignon
Favorite Music: Almost everything
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: I can’t tell you…I’m good at keeping secrets!
KATE LAWRY, Reservations Manager
Hometown: Stone, Nr Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England
Favorite South Pacific Destination: I can’t choose – Sydney for city life, Fiji for the beach and Queenstown for adventure – love them all!
Favorite Food: Steak (boring I know!)
Favorite Wine: Red in the winter, White in the summer
Favorite Music: I can’t choose this either – depends what I am doing – running – I like dance music, cleaning the house I like rock music, driving I like sing along music!
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: The sticky toffee pudding at Morgan’s in Darlinghurst!
Travel Tip: Always stay longer than you think you should – you will be glad you did!
Behind the Scenes
KIRK DEMETER, President
Hometown: Kirkland, WA
Favorite South Pacific Destination: I love them all! But I truly enjoy the Kimberley region of Western Australia, for the remoteness and sheer beauty of the place. You truly feel like you are on an adventure in this part of the world.
Favorite Food: Mexican, which unfortunately they don’t do so well in Australia and New Zealand (or, for that matter, Washington state)
Favorite Wine: Grant Burge “Meshach” Shiraz
Favorite Music: Alternative (be it alternative rock or alternative country); current faves are Ryan Adams, Brandi Carlile, Vampire Weekend, Kathleen Edwards, Neko Case and U2.
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: That golfing on the Mornington Peninsula is unbelievably good, that being hidden away at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island is paradise, and that getting off the beaten path in New Zealand will never disappoint, because the scenery is always amazing and the people always wonderful.
Travel Tip: Look into Premium Economy on the flights to Australia and New Zealand; the service on the carriers is great, and with some of the prices being so reasonable, it will make your trip much more enjoyable for not a lot of extra money.
KERRYN COOK, VP Product & Marketing
Hometown: Born in Dee Why, Australia but moved to the Gold Coast when I was two.
Favorite South Pacific Destination: My dad is Australian but my mum is Fijian. I have to say I love everywhere I travel to, so many unique and engaging experiences on offer. Fiji is unlike any other tropical destination and I’ve been to a few around the world including Hawaii, Jamaica, Tahiti, Phuket, Cook Islands, Mexico to mention a few. To start with the local Fijians are the most friendly and warm people in the world. You literally arrive as a guest and leave as a friend. They love to embrace you and look after you, it’s second nature to them, so you will always have an intimate and personal experience there. The hospitality is genuine and you aren’t just a number, they know you by first name. I love sunsets and the thought of having a champagne or a cocktail overlooking the ocean, and this place has stunning sunsets, powder white beaches and endless privacy and relaxation on offer. Fiji is affordable so you don’t leave there regretting spending money unlike some other destinations. The island resorts are beautiful and everything is accessible. You come away feeling as though you’ve had a vacation – rejuvenated and relaxed!
Favorite Food: Lamb chops. But I pretty much love food and love going out to dinner, so anything from crispy duck, indian curry, spaghetti to a big bowl of prawns could pass as my favorite. My friends always tease me as I love barbecue – anything on the barbecue from breakfast in the morning to a beautiful salmon that I’ve just picked up at the market.
Favorite Wine: I love New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, it’s crisp and delicate. I also love Champagne! I’ve recently started drinking red wine, so am looking forward to finding my favorite. So far I think The Grange would be it.
Favorite Music: R&B music, although I love all sorts of music, I never retain the artists information so can never tell you off the top of my head who I like, until I hear the song being played. Living in America and especially working at DUA, I’ve been exposed to a whole new variety of music that I’ve come to know and love. I am also a romantic, so love any romantic songs or artists.
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: It’s not so much a secret as a place that I love that isn’t on every itinerary that we organize and that is Waiheke Island. There’s something about this island that is enchanting. Located in the Hauraki Gulf, about 40 minutes from Auckland by ferry is Waiheke Island (say Why-hicky). Kiwi’s love to vacation by the beach and their ‘cabin by the lake’ or ‘beach house’ is called a ‘bach’ and many kiwi’s have decided that Waiheke is the perfect weekend escape for them. Even though there is 8000 residents there, the island is quaint and idyllic with artists, wineries and olive groves overlooking the sublime beaches and bays. Adventure activities abound but I go for the relaxed atmosphere and the food and wine journey. Rent a bike and tour the island (and that’s your exercise done), then stop into one of the award-winning wineries for wine tastings and fresh bread with dips before a big lunch overlooking the vines. Tour the island’s art galleries and perhaps pick up some souvenirs for friends and family, before indulging at your island accommodation for the night – there’s some exquisite accommodations on the island. There’s so much on offer but the vibe isn’t hustle and bustle, it’s chilled out and very Kiwi. You’ll love it!
Travel Tip: The best advice I could offer you is to slow it down and take it in. It is so fun organizing and planning your trip and cramming in every single little thing that you want to see and do in Australia, New Zealand and the islands – but Australia is the size of continental USA, you’ll never see it all properly in one two-week trip. Savor your experience and trust us when we say, you’ll be glad you did. One night stays in seven different cities means airports and transfers and stress. Slow it down and you’ll actually get a chance to engage with the locals, get off the beaten track, explore a city – get to where the locals go, have time to meander through a farmer’s market that you might stumble upon, take the chance to explore the more hidden wonders of a region. Splurge and upgrade your hotels to harbor or lake views, take a private tour, or doing something new – like play heli-golf, or book in for a massage – when was the last time you did something for the first time? Think about what it is you love to do or would enjoy trying and enquire about that, create your vacation around an activity, or an event – there’s so many travel tips I’d love to share, but most importantly, don’t put it off – travel now!
BROOKE CASTOR, National Accounts Manager
Hometown: Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia.
Favorite South Pacific Destination;Relaxation – Hunter Valley, it’s just home. Great family, great friends, done. Sunset – Home Valley Station, cattle station in the middle of the Kimberley Region, snorkeling – Northern Fiji, Sunrise – Aitutaki, Cook Islands, that “welcome home feeling” - watching Sydney Harbor come alive sitting on the deck of the Intercontinental Sydney Hotel club level, beaches – northern NSW.
Favorite Food: It all tastes better in Australia! Particularly great Thai and Vietnamese restaurants, Turkish pides, Greek restaurants ... Mmmm… fish and chips that can’t be beat, & terribly good chocolate!
Favorite Wine: Champagne, I love it all – I won’t discriminate! Although nothing quenches your thirst like a beer fresh from the tap, of an Aussie pub… Or a full bodied glass of red from SA on a chilly winter’s night! Two local Hunter Valley favorites – Capercaille Winery for their selection of reds, and Petersons Champagne House – need I say more?!
Favorite Music: Nothing like a good ‘ol Aussie bush band, I’ll bring the lagerphone!
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: Wilson Island.
Travel Tip: Don’t forget your passport & your chargers! No need to travel with lumps of cash – your ATM card works in the South Pacific, buy a local phone card for calling home – much cheaper than hotel phone rates. Take an extra memory card for your camera, you’ll use it! And relax – you’re on vacation!
MARGOT NAHAY, Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator
Hometown: Torrance, California
Favorite South Pacific Destination: Fiji
Favorite Food: Cheese. I love cheese, if I could have a diet that consisted of only cheese, I would be ok with that.
Favorite Wine: Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon’, a good Shiraz from the Barossa and for white’s New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc’s are the best.
Favorite Music: Anyone who knows me knows that U2 is my all time favorite, but I like a wide variety, some of my other faves would be Radiohead, Coldplay, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Smiths, REM, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga & if you want to know a weird secret about me I LOVE Dean Martin.
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: Vanuatu, the people and culture are beautiful.
Travel Tip: Bring at least 4 pairs of shoes, a bathing suit and a nail file. You will use all of them.
ANITA LAN, Ticketing Manager
Hometown: Taiwan
Favorite South Pacific Destination: New Zealand
Favorite Food: Taiwanese snacks - pancakes, spring rolls & Dan-Bin
Favorite Wine: Taiwanese Beer formerly Takasago Beer
Favorite Music: Alternative & Taiwanese
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: The food and the friendly people!
Travel Tip: Book early so you have a choice of airfares and seats on the plane!
SUSAN ALSBURY, Reservations Support
Hometown: Brisbane
Favorite South Pacific Destination: Grampians National Park is one of my favourite spots. You can pitch a tent in the bush or find a nice little cottage surrounded by beautiful scenery. The hiking is amazing and the views at the top are spectacular. You can find kangaroos grazing in the fields or koalas hidden in the trees, but you can’t beat the rainbow lorikeets who are friendly and hungry and love to join you for a meal. Halls Gap also is famed with having the best Vanilla slice in Australia, and I can attest to that.
Favorite Food: Roast Lamb with mint sauce and gravy, served with roast pumpkin, carrots, parsnip and sweet potato.
Favorite Wine: Would prefer a cold Cascade Lite, but would not turn down a Mclaren Vale Merlot.
Favorite Music: Alternative Love fast music with lots of horns. The Cat Empire are one of my favs!
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: Bega Cheese Factory in Bega, NSW. King Island in Tasmania may have a reputation for making the best gourmet cheeses in Australia, but you can’t beat Bega for a good honest Aussie cheddar. Don’t forget to take the tour.
Travel Tip: Don’t take things too seriously. Just go with the flow and you may be surprised where you end up.
JAMIE SUIT, Documents
Jamie was born in Kansas but grew up in Arizona. She moved to Seattle after her older brother, Jason, who was already living in Seattle, convinced Jamie that she’d have no place to retire to if she stayed in Arizona. Jamie loves hiking and doing arts and crafts. Traveling is also a passion, be it real travel or the armchair variety-a lover of maps and researching other cultures and customs, Jamie doesn’t have to go to the South Pacific to know the South Pacific (but she’ll happily go there, too). Jamie says her own travels, most recently to Australia, have convinced her that a successful trip requires an open mind.
JANELLE COOK, Systems Manager
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Favorite South Pacific Destination: Lord Howe Island, off the east coast of Australia. It is breathtakingly beautiful, offers lots to do, is easy to get to, has all modern amenities yet lends the experience of stepping back in time. And I love their 40 year old cats!
Favorite Food: Australian meat pie, with tomato sauce.
Favorite Wine: Cab Sav.
Favorite Song: Qantas Children’s Choir version of I Still Call Australia Home. Can’t hear that without tearing up. It makes me feel both proud and homesick at the same time.
Best Kept South Pacific Secret: Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
Travel Tip: Don’t plan your first trip to the South Pacific as if you can only go once, you’ll be frustrated at not being able to see it all. Australia and New Zealand aren’t a single destination; either take the time to do justice to both, or take two (or more) trips. And the Islands deserve more than a brief stopover, too.
LARRY COVELL, Pacific Northwest Sales Manager
Larry is a Seattle native whose family immigrated to Sydney, Australia when he was 12 years old, presumably they just couldn’t wait any longer for the sun to shine. He got such a taste for good weather, Larry moved to Honolulu where he graduated from the University of Hawaii and worked as a travel agent. Love interfered with his tropical plans when he met his wife on a trip to San Francisco. Larry and Melody subsequently moved to Seattle where both have been heavily involved in the travel industry for the past 24 years, making many, many trips back to the South Pacific sunshine. Having grown up Down Under, Larry has a true affinity for selling the South Pacific and has traveled extensively throughout the region.
MARY-MARGARET REUTHER, Midwest Sales Manager
A Chicagoan by birth, Mary Margaret was transplanted to Ohio, the Buckeye State, at a tender age. She never forgot her original home however and, after graduating from Miami University in Ohio moved back to Chicago for a part-time summer job in the hotel industry before taking up a teaching post in rural Virginia. But Chicago worked its magic; Mary Margaret fell in love with the Windy city all over again, tore up her contract and settled in. She met her husband George on a Ski Club bus one very memorable New Year’s weekend and skiing became a recurring theme in their lives—not only did skiing become an enjoyable sport, but when Mary-Margaret was recruited to manage a ski tour company in Chicago, her career in travel was launched. Mary-Margaret fell in love with the South Pacific on one of her many international trips and, to our mutual delight, joined DUA in 2005.