September 2026
Meet the Explorers:
Annette & John E.
We have plenty of couples joining our adventures, so we thought it was about time we celebrated one! Meet Annette and John, our September Explorers of the Month.
These two have shared plenty of adventures together, and their approach to travel is pretty simple: “Go with the flow!”
Have a read below and get to know Annette and John a little better.
Tell us a little about yourself.
We are both retired and live on the beach in Bundaberg Queensland when not travelling. I enjoy painting and John loves golf. we have 3 grandchildren and travel a lot of km visiting them in Brisbane and western NSW.
What first sparked your love of travel?
John’s love of travel began when he cruised to Australia from eEngland as an 8 year old “ten pound Pom”.
My desire to travel began when, as a child, I saw a postcard that my mother had been sent from the Mediterranean and I was determined to go there one day.
What’s a travel memory you’ll never forget?
We have so many wonderful travel memories. John’s favourite is with a foot on two tectonic plates in Iceland with a lava field behind in amazing Iceland. My favorite memory is our visit to the Mesquita in Cordoba , Spain.
What keeps you coming back for another adventure?
We always find something interesting wherever we go, and that anticipation of discovery is what keeps us looking.
What’s the biggest lesson travel has taught you?
Travel certainly ‘broadens the mind’, makes us more tolerant of others and aware of how lucky we are to live in Australia, despite the wonderful things we have seen. John and I have always been good travel companions so that helps!!
If you could encourage someone who’s a little nervous about joining a small-group adventure, what would you say?
We have travelled by ourselves and also on quite a few small group adventures. The small group tours often go to places that large tour groups do not. The guides are very experienced, and often become friends. We advise you to pick your tour carefully, look at reviews, dont ignore the travel advice given by the tour company and your guide. If the say 15kg baggage, then don’t take 30kg. Be punctual, so you don’t inconvenience others.
Sometimes a tour itinerary has to be changed, due to local conditions (particularly on cruises). It is no fault of your guide who is always doing their very best to help you.
Keep smiling.
Everything will work out. GO WITH THE FLOW.
You will still be seeing new things.
Where are you dreaming of going next?
Our next trip is by train, our favourite method of travel. Japan by train, of course, with Magnificent Explorers in Autumn 2027.
Thank you so much, Annette and John!
Keep smiling, keep exploring and, as you say, keep going with the flow! ❤️