Horizons

For both Peter and I the passion for travel began long before we took our own adventures across the globe. My fascination for see in the world was born when my Uncle Warren, a Qantas Engineer from Sydney, would come to visit us in Murgon. I would sit at the dinner table listening to the adventures he was having as he took advantage of working for a global airline. I could not wait to explore all of the places he had travel to.

For Peter his passion for travel, especially by coach, began when he would go on the coach with his father Peter and experience the day-to-day running of a tour. Peter and his dad share many stories of travelling in a coach from Cairns to Mackey down the Bruce Highway. Peter and I both attest travel has taught us some wonderful lessons about life, people and ourselves. So here we ask 'What has travel taught you?'

  One of the most significant life lessons I learnt in my time as a tour guide in Europe was; there is always a solution to every problem. This lesson was never truer after I collected my jetlagged group of 35 American teens from the People to People program and their chaperones at the Gatwick airport in England. About two hours after departing the airport for our three-week tour from London to Switzerland the head chaperone informed me that she had left the entire groups passports in the female bathroom at the airport. It is very difficult to board a ferry to France with out a passport. So with many phone calls to airport security, who had confiscated the bag for fear that it could be dangerous (this was pre Sept 11) and arranging with another tour manager to collect the valuable documents, I was able to get the passports back to my group before we went through customs at the ferry. I can confirm the head chaperone thought I was the bee’s knees for the rest of the tour and would be forever grateful for my ability to solve this very difficult problem.

Mark Twain famously coined the phrase “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness” and for Peter one of his most significant lessons has been to remain open-minded. His passion for exploring new places has allowed Peter to explore many different cultures, interact with a wide range of people and have a healthy level of respect for difference and diversity. He attests if you are prepared to learn and remain open to new experiences you will return home with a greater appreciation for what the world has to offer. Peter believes wholeheartedly and demonstrates steadfastly that having a flexible attitude, a sense of humor, respect for people and places will ensure you have a stress-free journey and many unforgettable memories.

Our mantra at South East Tours is to 'Discover the Difference' when you travel with us. With over 20 years of travel industry experience, both in Australia and overseas, Peter and I have discovered many different cultures, ways of travelling and styles of customer service.

Working as a tour manager and coach captain throughout Europe for several years Peter and I relied on the saying "It's not wrong, it's just different" when describing to our customers what they were about to experience on the coach tour. As culturally diverse as Europe is, and even though many struggled with a change of language every other day, the differences where never a concern.

Just as each country has its own unique charm the modes of transportation were just as varied in reliability, value for money and comfort level. From the water taxi to and from the Venice camp site, the electric 'Choo-choo train' around the sights of Pisa and the immaculate and very efficient subway train system in Milan (not sure why these are all Italian?) we never failed to reach our destination.

Peter and I both agree that once you do reach your destination there is nothing better than to see a smiling face greet you from behind the check-in desk, a friendly hand to take your luggage to your room and then to finally being able to relax in comfortable accommodation at the end of a long day of travel. 

We know the value of providing a standard of service to our passengers that is both unique and exceptional, itineraries that are interesting and different and coach travel that is comfortable, informative and memorable. When you travel with South East Tours you will have the comfort of travel pillows and lap blankets, ample leg room between seats and red-carpet assistance off and on the coach. Each day you will be greeted with a friendly smile and "Good Morning" as we load your luggage for the next stage of the journey as well as a full day of commentary from your coach captain and detailed itinerary from the hostess.

Our aim is to delight our customers through excellent service and we believe we can deliver the best experience by providing a friendly and professional product based on our passion and knowledge. We guarantee to provide a safe, fun filled and unique bus touring experience, full of lasting memories and one which you can truthfully recommend to your friends. We Look forward to seeing you on board.