Allan has travelled/visited:

Ireland, UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, France, Spain, Switzerland, Andorra, Gibraltar, Italy, Greece, Canary Islands, USA (New York, Chicago, New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Hawaii), Puerto Rico, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Western & American Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Australia (Perth, Margaret River, Melbourne, Adelaide, Noosa, Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree, Cape Tribulation, Townsville, Cairns, Port Douglas), Norfolk Island, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam.

About Allan / Qualifications:

Allan has been in the industry for an incredible 25 years! His industry knowledge is unsurpassed and he had broad, real travel experience. IATA/UFTAA Preliminary Diploma in Travel and Fares & Ticketing. His qualifications include IATA/UFTAA Advanced Diploma in Travel and Fares & Ticketing. Diplome de Langue, Alliance Francaise de Paris.

Allan's Favourite Places:

* Ireland - because I'm from there and have travelled the length and breadth of the country many times. The hospitality is fabulous and, contrary to what people think, it's inexpensive to travel around. A great mix of culture and amazing scenery. * Australia - because it's my current home and it has so much to offer. * USA -because it's such a great and easy country to travel around. A highlight was doing a driving tour of California and Nevada, taking in Yosemite National Park, King's Canyon, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon - all breathtaking. New York is my favourite city! The buzz is amazing and hasn't faded, even after 20 visits.
* Cook Islands - a piece of Paradise and way cheaper and nicer than Tahiti, in my opinion

Recommendations:

* Ireland - do not miss out on Donegal, Ireland's best kept secret, and stay longer in Dublin, you'll regret it if you don't!

* Australia - Noosa and Far North Queensland - gorgeous!

* USA - New York is a must. Combine with a driving tour of California & Nevada for a great holiday experience!

* Cook Islands - if you want to totally unwind, discover a beautiful piece of Paradise that is not expensive!

Allan's favourite Experiences/Memories/Highlights:

* Arriving at Dublin Airport to go on a sun holiday somewhere in southern Europe (standby) and being on board an aircraft ten minutes later to Ibiza, not a peseta in my pocket and nowhere to stay. The unplanned ones are often the best!

* Being caught in a cyclone in Fiji and having to wade through water to my waist to get to the other side of a flooded road to catch the Blue Lagoon Cruise, me and my luggage soaked. The clothes never dried out over the next four days, the disasters can end up being a lot of fun!

* Taking my parents on a fabulous 10 day cruise to Vanuatu and New Caledonia. I hadn't been on a large cruise ship before and I thought I would hate it (the cruise, not being with me Ma and Da). I loved every moment and highly recommend it, your holiday begins the moment you board the ship!

Allan's Travel Advice:

* As SBS says, 'the world is an amazing place' so take a holiday at least once a year!
* Remember, cheap is not necessarily the best!
* Travel as light as possible, one bag to check in and one bag on board, you end up only using half of what you take anyway.
* Don't buy on impulse when overseas, it might be tempting but you'll end up saying 'what the hell did I buy that for'
* Trust your travel advisor!

Where would you go back to?:

New York - because there is so much to see and for the excitement.
Cook Islands - stunning.
Vietnam - gorgeous people, food and scenery.

Allan's Hot Tips:

* Be a member of a frequent flyer program, there are great benefits.
* Fly business class, your children will!