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Testimonials

Aug 20, 2010

Kirk,
I usually don’t bother to send a note or call but felt compelled today after working with a wonderful Down Under agent Sue Ann Hime…...WOW is all I can say about her!  I now know why Down Under Answers has so many accolades to their credit, it’s because you have employees like Sue Ann.  I know I’ve tried per patience but what’s really great about this whole experience is she has patience!  My first booking I did went so smoothly with her help, there would have been no way I could have arranged such a wonderful NZ tour without Sue Ann - so had to go straight to her for my second request and this is where her destination expertise is/was truly needed and boy has she gone over and above in helping me with this family.  While I’ve been in the travel industry for over 30 years as either a sales manager or owner of a travel agency to my current position as a branch manager, I come into contact with hundreds of sales representatives and deal with so many reservation agents from all vendors, I can honestly say that Sue Ann has done more for me and our mutual clients than any other travel vendor out there!  It’s so nice to know I’m in great, great hands and am now going to be a loyal fan of Sue Ann and Down Under for as long as I’m selling travel.

You’ve got a gem in a agent there and in today’s world, that’s very very hard to find.  It’s totally refreshing and a pleasure to work with Sun Ann and Down Under and am very fortunate to have found such a great company.  Keep up the great work.

Sincerely, 

Terri Yee
Branch Manager
Spears Travel/Travel Leaders

Testimonials

May 24, 2010

The trip was absolutely wonderful. Your choice of accommodations was superb and there was not a single glitch in the itinerary. As you know, we used our frequent flier miles and so had to make a stop in Atlanta before flying to LA. We were lucky enough to have an empty seat between us from LA to Sydney (we left LA at 11:45 pm) and I was able to sleep quite a few hours. David had a more difficult time. We arrived in Sydney and made our connection to Melbourne. The hotel in Melbourne was charming but the lobby was a little tired and needed some updating. We were told they were planning a renovation soon. They upgraded our room and it was large, quiet and comfortable. The staff was helpful and incredibly accommodating. One night we had gone to the ballet at the Melbourne Arts Centre (fabulous) and took a cab back to the hotel. When we arrived in the lobby, I realized that I had left my purse in the cab and it had already left ( You could imagine my sense of panic). Luckily, the doormen, knew that the person who had gotten in to the cab after us, was a friend of a guest staying at the hotel. Two of the staff people then called the guest, who called the cell phone of his friend in the cab and the story had a good ending. I am not usually such an air head but I had been carrying another bag and we were having an animated conversation with the cab driver and I just walked out without the purse. They all worked so hard and with such a good attitude to help resolve the problem.

On the 3rd day in Melbourne we hired a driver and went out to the Dandenong Range. It was a delightful day. We took a ride on Puffing Billy and went to see Wm. Ricketts Park. We had lunch in a lovely little cafe. The driver was very pleasant and helpful.

After Melbourne, as planned, we flew to Adelaide and then on to Kangaroo Island. Not a great deal to do in Adelaide so a short stay there was fine. We didn’t make it up to the hills or wineries. Buxton Manor was quite unique with a great breakfast and North Adelaide was very nice. We did need to take a cab into Adelaide from there but the apt. was a charming place and we eventually met the owner.

Our trip and stay, on Kangaroo Island was awesome. Our guide, Bill, from Kangaroo Wilderness Tours was a natural and a delight (a grown -up hippy from the 60’s who I secretly fell in love with!!). He made us all very comfortable. There was one other couple, from England with us on the the 4 wheel drive tour. We all got along very well and at the end, Bill noted that it was one of the best tours he had done since we all had had great chemistry. The lunches Bill prepared both days were a great and pleasant surprise. The B&B , Stranraer Homestead on Kangaroo Island was absolutely lovely and i wish we could have stayed there another night. The food Lyn prepared was delicious and the breakfast was over the top yummy. The ride to see the fairy penguins that evening was an unexpected bonus.

There aren’t enough words to describe our view from our room at the Thala Beach Lodge… Ocean and Mountains, but you knew that when you booked it. We often just sat there and enjoyed the view.
We decided to have all three dinners there since the food was very good and the view from the dining room couldn’t be beat.

I think one of our favorite days was actually my birthday, 3/30 when we sailed on the Synergy to the Great Barrier Reef!!! The weather was spectacular. There were only 6 of us, including a couple from Canada and a mother/son from Colorado. David and the fellow from Canada really connected since they were both lawyers. We snorkeled for the first time ever and it was a great experience.

We left Port Douglas for Rose Gums. We enjoyed seeing that part of the country (took us about 2 hours) and David did very well driving on the left side of the road, but I think of all the places we stayed that this was my least favorite. The accommodations were clean but a bit rustic. We had dinner there, (where else could we go?). It was a bit pricey and was just very average food. At night it was the darkest place I have ever seen!!!

We flew from Cairns to Sydney and met my son, Dan at the airport. He had flown in from Brisbane. It was good to see him. We arrived at the Quay West Suites, went up to our room and were spellbound!! The view of the Sydney, Harbor, the Opera House and the Sydney Bridge was mesmerizing. We didn’t want to move from that spot. It was a great choice of accommodation for us…. convenient and comfortable. Having breakfast included was grand. We had a wonderful time in Sydney, had a tour of the Opera House, took a harbor cruise, took a bus to Darlinghust to see the Jewish Museum, Bondi Beach and saw a performance of Wicked. . We found food to be expensive, about 30% more than when we eat in a fine restaurant here. Sydney is a lovely City and we could have stayed another day but time was up and we needed to head home. Remind people to stop into a Max Brenner for a scrumptious chocolate dessert.

It was a wonderful trip and I just couldn’t have planned an itinerary like this. You did a superb job and it was a trip worth taking. It would have been nice to have included New Zealand but it was not possible this time around. I would certainly recommend you if anyone is planning a trip to Australia. Your tips were great but we did pack too much, but did stay within the weight limits. I do need to work on that piece. Thank you, thank you, thank you again, Karolyn.

Now, where to go next???

Candy Gould.
Vacation arranged by Karolyn Wrightson, Essential Downunder

Testimonials

Mar 18, 2010

Thank you again for all you did to make this a wonderful trip. Every day was a delightful surprise. Down Under Answers found places to stay that we never could have found on our own. They booked us in all the best places on all the best tours. Our itinerary was easy to follow and made the entire trip flow smoothly.
Carol Rochlin
Protravel International
73-730 El Paseo
Palm Desert, CA 92260

Testimonials

Oct 06, 2009

Hello everyone! I wanted to send a message to tell you of a great company. In these days of travel it is sometimes very difficult to get good customer service with companies we use all the time. I have had a WONDERFUL experience with a MAST preferred company. The company is Down Under Answers. I cannot say enough about this company. I honestly had never used them until this year.  I had a honeymoon couple wanting to go to Australia but they really had no idea what they should do or where they should go.  So I talked with John Werner to get some guidance on who could assist me.  He told me to call Down Under Answers.  I was put in contact with Sue-Ann and she was fabulous. I told her the general idea of what they were looking for and she put together a whole itinerary complete with flights, transfers, resorts and tours. My clients loved it and booked it. The situation got complicated when I received a call the day before they were to return saying the groom was in the hospital with blood clots in his legs and lungs and were not sure when they would be able to return home. I cannot even begin to express how helpful Sue-Ann has been through this entire situation.  Sue-Ann and the people at Down Under Answers have restored my faith in the fact that good customer service still exists. They have not only been helpful with my end of things but have taken total care of my clients through this as well.  They even took care of getting my client a hotel closer to the hospital for the extra time she had to spend there so she wouldn’t be so far from her husband. They took such great care of my clients through this whole ordeal.  I have experienced first hand why Down Under Answers is a MAST preferred company. I will not book that part of the world with anyone but them and highly recommend you give them a try.
Kelly Baker
Travel Place, Inc.
Red Oak, IA

Testimonials

Aug 24, 2009

Dear DUA,
I want to thank you for ALL your efforts. The trip was the most memorable trip my family has every taken. All the effort you put in was evident!
best regards,
Norm

Norman J. Beauchamp, Jr. MD MHS
University of Washington

Testimonials

Jun 11, 2009

As I travel across the Pacific several times a year on business, I must say that my last trip with Air New Zealand has made me a loyal passenger!
From them moment I checked in for my flight, the staff we extremely helpful and courteous - nothing seemed to be too much effort for them.  Their customer service extended on to the aircraft - the cabin crew were genuinely friendly and welcoming - like most New Zealanders I have met in my life.  The food was amazing! Did you know they serve New Zealand ice cream on some flights.  The wine selection in coach class was the best I have ever been served.  The seats in coach class - they have the best pitch between seats I have ever experienced.  When the guy in front put his seat back - I still had my comfortable space!  Thank you DUA for selling me a seat on Air New Zealand - they are the best in their class!

Testimonials

May 22, 2009

The trip has been amazing so far. We’re at Yasawa Island Resort now and it is stunning. Thanks for making arrangements for us to be here.

Ashley, Washington

Testimonials

Feb 06, 2009

Dear Kirk,
Well, we are back from what I would describe as the most memorable, relaxing and rejuvenating holiday I have ever had. The Four Season Bora Bora, in my opinion, sets a new standard, the world over, for providing the highest level of service I have ever had the privilege of experiencing They are without doubt, a resort that exceeds all expectations, are the epitome of what 5-star service is all about, and seem to do all of this without even trying. It all seems to come second nature to them. I would have no hesitation in recommending this property to any customer of yours who is looking to experience heaven on earth along with 5-star service. On top of that, the staff are among the friendliest people I have ever met.

Thanks again to Down Under Answers and the team.

Mr & Mrs Matt Guy, Adelaide

Testimonials

Jan 29, 2009

Wow, Kirk (President & Owner of Down Under Answers), I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you turned me on to Cathi! (DUA Destination Specialist)  !!  She is awesome………… I have been able to put a few lovely itineraries together with her!!  The latest and greatest one was Very last minute!!!  For 2 Twin Soldier Girls on Leave from Iraq……………… Cathi and I put a Itinerary proposal together at the end of the week, knowing that we would be changing the dates and having to move fast, probably while the gals were Process through Kuwait and heading to Australia, not knowing when they would arrive!!  Well, as is typical of the Military…………………………….. we learned that they were on a flight heading to SYD on Saturday!!  I called Cathi,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, she got on it, literally……………and this morning confirmed the entire trip which begins on the 27th of Jan………………………………………….. which is actually today in Sydney!!!    And when they wake up at their Hotel they stayed at for the last 2 nights……………………….. they will learn that they are moving over to the Rendezvous Stafford and really starting their Vacation!!!!!!!!
Cathi is a Rock star in my book…………………………… and we make a great team!  Thank you again!!!!

P. Anderson, Travel Consultant, Tangerine Travel, Bothell

Testimonials

Jan 14, 2009

Thanks Jane… I got the documents this morning Fed Ex.  They are really nice…very good explanations for them, I’m sure they will feel very confident in making their own way.  I love DownUnder Answers!!!

Jan, Holiday Travel Vacations,  Michigan

Testimonials

Aug 11, 2008

“DUA set up an incredible itinerary for me when I was planning a last minute vacation to Australia.  With only 10 days to organize my trip, they arranged fabulous hotels, air travel to three beautiful cities within the country, and transportation when needed.  They recommended unbelievable restaurants!  I got to walk across the top of Sydney’s enormous Harbour bridge; I bungee jumped and white water rafted; relaxed and enjoyed their rain forest, scuba dived with a shark, hot air ballooned over Sydney, attended an exciting rugby event, and most importantly – golfed at the most beautiful and challenging courses ever designed.  It was two weeks of sheer paradise; a journey that will go down in the record books!  Thank you Down Under Answers!”

Dave Krieg, NFL Quarterback, 1980-1999

Testimonials

May 09, 2008

I will recommend your agency without any reservations.  We had the most experienced and knowledgeable tour guides.  Our hotels were fantastic, always the best and perfectly suited to our budget and style.  I had the impression that everyone and every place was handpicked for us and knew that we were coming; a boutique vacation! No worries, no dramas. I am looking forward to my next trip to the wonderful and fantastic great down under, but only with your help.

R Olson, Wisconsin

Testimonials

Oct 05, 2007

The flight over was fantastic, those beds make all the difference.  Really was a cool way to kick off the trip, and I even saw Hugh Jackman in the airport to boot!

A Castor, Manhattan Beach, CA

Testimonials

Jan 08, 2007

My Travel Agent and Down Under Answers Saved My Life

Here is my story: Before our recent wedding I promised my bride that I would completely handle arranging the honeymoon, and she would do everything else. Well I had the best of intentions but somehow time passed quicker than I had imagined. Before I knew it our wedding was just six weeks away and aside from looking at a few tropical destination magazines, I hadn’t done anything oops.

Enter Down Under Answers. I contacted my travel agent who in turn contacted Kirk Demeter at DUA, explained the situation, and within 2 hours had a spectacular outline of a dream honeymoon. They arranged a trip that took us from Maui, where we were married, to the marvelous city of Auckland, New Zealand. (if you go you must stay at Mollies!). After 4 fantastic days in New Zealand, they booked us for a week in Fiji, with part of the time spent on what can only be described as a breathtaking destination, Castaway Island. This is the sort of place you see on postcards or advertisements and think “that cannot be a real place” well it is. For days we felt like the couple on the Corona advertisements just us, our room on the beach, white sand, blue, warm water and nothing to do but relax. In the end I was a hero because of my travel agent and Down Under Answers, and my wife’s friends marvel at what a “thoughtful” husband she has for putting together such a trip of a lifetime!

Howie Barokas, Seattle, WA

Testimonials

Dec 20, 2006

Amazing Time in Australia

Words cannot adequately describe the spectacular trip you planned for us in Australia. It was truly amazing! We were so grateful that we were able to visit, tour, and explore so many places… I loved Australia and I know that I will definitely return and possibly fit in a trip to New Zealand…Please know that my daughter was absolutely thrilled to show us her life in Sydney… You didn’t put us ‘down under’ but rather you put us over the top! It is a pleasure to know you.

Evelyn Spector, Stony Brook, NY

Testimonials

Nov 13, 2006

I love Down Under Answers

Knowledge, expertise, efficiency, a great staff with positive attitudes, travel agent support and willingness to help and, most of all, integrity, are the reasons I have worked with Down Under Answers for the past 14 years and why I will continue to do so. From the owner and President, Kirk Demeter; to Vice President of Marketing, Jillian Barrow; Accounts Executive Sue-Ann Hime; our DUA rep, Larry Covell; to everyone in reservations and their efficient support staff, they are the very best. Down Under Answers have received many, many well deserved awards and accolades along the way. They have gained great respect from both suppliers and agents and I am very proud, indeed, to be a part of the Down Under Answers “family” of Travel Agents.

Mary E Backous, Aussie Specialist Premier Agent

Testimonials

Sep 12, 2006

If I didn’t work for Windstar, I’d apply at Down Under Answers..

The tours we went on were perfect. Your recommendations worked great. All the tour guides were full of personality and knew the tour inside and out, adding little notes along the way. We had lunch with our tour guide in Auckland (Don Bickerson). I have to say that the High Country Tour in Christchurch was my favorite - I HIGHLY recommend it, especially with “Captain Rod” as we called him at the helm.

The 3 cities, the people, the flights, the scenery, the hotels (especially the Sofitel - which was amazing), the tours, the shopping, the fun! “Wildfire” in Auckland, which is in the harbor area, has the most amazing food and ambiance, plus you’ll have to go to the the “Under 5 Degrees” bar which is made of ice.

Kristina, it was the best! I am so thankful to have won the trip - we took it all in and appreciated every minute that we were there.

Down Under Answers is the way to see New Zealand!

With warm appreciation and thanks.

Janet Anderson, Seattle WA

Testimonials

Sep 10, 2006

Thank you for a vacation of a lifetime!

We just got back from our trip and I thought I would send over some pictures. We had a really great time, diving (Sofia our 9 year old included) with sharks (6 ft.) and lots of big stingrays! Sofi completed the whole thing like a real trooper and was never tired!

We would like to thank Down Under Answers, we had a really great vacation…it was really a vacation of a lifetime…we can’t get over Woodwark Bay, Roger the host was amazing and just such a wonderful person…Woodwark and Bora Bora was a personal favorite of Sofia…as for me…well, it is hard to choose…I loved every minute of it! Woodwark is still on top for me too…

I don’t know what I loved more…maybe, the coolest thing was taking a helicopter from our room at Woodwark and landing on a 10 meter landing pad in the middle of the ocean in the Great Barrier Reef to be picked up by a boat and go scuba diving, then being whisked off to land on the Whithaven Beach for a walk, then back to Woodwark…That was really over the top!

The colors of Bora Bora were indescribable and underwater in Tikehau was out of this world! I loved it. Thank you!!

Maggi family, United States

Testimonials

Aug 24, 2006

Australia was sensational, thank you.

The trip to Australia was sensational. The kids voted it their favorite trip ever. I wanted to write and thank you for doing a terrific job of putting the whole thing together. Our favorite part of the trip was Heron Island. All of the vouchers, travel arrangements, etc. worked out beautifully, so many thanks to you and Down Under Answers.

Fran Solmor

Testimonials

Aug 18, 2006

Thank you for the magical trip!

Just got back yesterday and trying to get caught up on 3 weeks of mail, emails, etc. but had to take time to write and tell you how perfectly you arranged this trip and how smoothly everything went. You have to be in the business to understand how much time and effort it takes to negotiate air, hotels, pick-ups, tours, etc. and I told Marie more than once how fantastic I thought our arrangements were under the circumstances - 2 planes a day 3 days in a row so that we laughed about having been in Adelaide twice, for example, although we knew we had never been anywhere but the airport, our hotel for one night, then more airport. The flights were terrific, the weather was magnificent wherever we went - the rain seemed to know we were coming and took off for other parts so that even in Melbourne we had sunshine. I’m in love with Kangaroo Island. No one should be allowed to go to Australia on vacation and not see Kangaroo Island and Uluru Sounds of Silence dinner. The march of the penguins, the kangaroos eating out of my city hands, I don’t know what thrilled us more. Most of all, thank you for your superb arranging - everyone who was supposed to meet us did so at the right time; the flights were all on time (amazing); New Zealand business class puts every other airline I’ve been on to shame; Queenstown in the all-suite hotel for the last three nights was brilliant - gave us a chance to catch our breath and get ready for the flights home. Looking out at those snow covered mountains was unforgettable. You really did a fabulous job and as an agent and a traveler, I am most appreciative, as was Marie who travels constantly, usually on tours, and was thrilled by how many private and semi-private tours we had besides the usual large groups, all of whom were very nice. You know we will be recommending DUA to everyone - I’ve already started! The places you chose were ideally located so that we were able to walk the city of Melbourne and probably saw more of it than most people who live there. The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant was special. We loved it. The best meal we had was on Kangaroo Island in the bush as part of the tour - barbecued lamb and all the trimmings in a magical setting. All in all, a magical trip and you were the magician who accommodated our desire to see as much of Australia and New Zealand in 21 days. Thank you so much.

Mona Scheraga, Travel Agent