By S Haslam
‘We travel not to escape life, but for life to not escape us’; a wonderful motto, isn’t it? As we hear about human activities continually affecting our natural environment, there are some wonderfully preserved areas of the world and it’s important to treasure our opportunities to experience them. Did you know that immersing yourself in the rainforest for just three days has been shown to increase positive brain activity for a period long after you return?
If you’ve ever met local Byron man, Lance Mumby, you’d appreciate that he’s not the sort of person to let life escape him. He’s travelled to more than 50 countries, and specialises in leading unique small groups. One thing you may not know about Lance is that he is one of the ‘78ers, who organised Sydney’s first MardiGras parade in 1978 as a reminder of the anti-gay Stonewall incidents in 1969.
As the owner of Cruisealong, and as a one hundred per cent independent travel manager, he also knows the ins and outs of all the cruise lines, and can explain the benefits of each, as well as having a handy knack for getting good cabins and last-minute deals! I mean, he’s got a pretty good job, hasn’t he? He doesn’t work from an office; rather, he’s one of the new breed of mobile travel consultants and works from his home in Byron. And, he’s very good at it – he’s been nominated for cruise consultant of the year, and was a finalist in mobile agent of the year in 2019.
Lance has been in the travel game for over 44 years, and really likes organising expeditions and small ship cruises, particularly to the Sub-Antarctic, the Amazon, the Kimberley, and West Papua.
In fact, right now, his upcoming cruises include a couple that are ideal for small groups (including people who like seeing birds – you’ll see a lot of them in both tours). Along the Amazon tour you’ll not only see Lima and experience its world-famous cuisine, cathedrals and ruins, but you’ll also get to spend plenty of time on the Amazon and its tributaries in a stylish and luxurious 19-berth vessel with private balconies that Lance has chartered for the voyage. Lance will be there, and his partner Peter, as well as a cruise director and local naturalist guides to ensure an unprecedented level of service.
You could see up to 400 different birds on the Sub-Antarctic trip – which goes south from New Zealand on the Silver Explorer, together with a fleet of 12 Zodiacs, so you can actually set foot on, and explore off-the-beaten-path islands that are some of the best-preserved environments on the planet.
Lance doesn’t just cruise off the map, though, he does it all – he’s very happy to offer advice for your next trip and assist with all travel arrangements, such as airfares, hotels and transfers.
For more info contact Lance Mumby – Personal travel navigator.
Ph 1300 662 002 | cruisealong.com.au
