Tegan Gallagher TravelManagers

Tegan Gallagher TravelManagers It’s a tough job… but someone has to do it.🌴🍹🚢

🌎 Personal Travel Manager
🛳️ Cruise Specialist | 14+ years experience
📍 Forster, NSW

Helping people escape their daily routines and replace it with beaches, cocktails, and cruise ships.

Week 3 of my Travel Series: Next stop... 🇨🇳 China When people ask me about my favourite holidays, they are often surpris...
11/08/2026

Week 3 of my Travel Series: Next stop... 🇨🇳 China

When people ask me about my favourite holidays, they are often surprised by one of my answers... China.

🇨🇳 Why We Chose China
We were young, travelling on a budget and looking for somewhere unique, exciting and full of bucket-list experiences. China ticked every box. To this day, it remains one of the most fascinating countries we have ever visited.

To make the most of our trip, we joined a G Adventures small group tour, which was a fantastic way to experience the country's highlights while learning about its history and culture. It also took the stress out of organising everything ourselves, allowing us to simply enjoy the journey.

🏯 Exploring Beijing

Our adventure began in Beijing, where we explored Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the beautiful Summer Palace.

Of course, one of the biggest highlights was walking on the Great Wall of China. We took the cable car to the top before walking along one of the world's most iconic landmarks, taking in the spectacular mountain views.

Getting back down was another story...

Instead of taking the cable car, we jumped onto the alpine toboggan. It was equal parts exciting and terrifying, and it is still one of those travel memories we talk about today.

Stretching for more than 21,000 kilometres, it is easy to understand why the Great Wall is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

📍 Beijing Highlights

• Walk along the Great Wall of China
• Explore the Forbidden City
• Visit the beautiful Summer Palace
• See Tiananmen Square
• Discover the Temple of Heaven

✈️ Getting to Beijing from Sydney
Beijing is accessible from Sydney by direct and connecting flights. We flew with Cathay Pacific, with a short layover in Hong Kong before continuing on to Beijing.

🌸 Best Time to Travel
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are great times to visit Beijing, with milder temperatures and more comfortable conditions for sightseeing.

I learnt the hard way not to visit Beijing in the middle of summer! We travelled in July during one of the hottest months, so if I had my time again, I would definitely choose spring or autumn.

💡 My Advice

🚇 Getting around: Beijing is enormous. The metro is useful, but attractions can be much farther apart than they appear, so avoid trying to pack too much into one day.

👟 Wear comfortable shoes: You will do a lot of walking, particularly at the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Great Wall.

🧱 Allow plenty of time for the Great Wall: Treat it as a major excursion rather than trying to squeeze it into an already busy sightseeing day.

👥 Consider an organised tour or private guide: Beijing has so much history that having a knowledgeable guide can really add to the experience. It can also take care of transport, tickets and logistics, which was one of the things we loved about travelling with G Adventures.

From the history of the Forbidden City to walking on the Great Wall, Beijing delivered exactly the kind of bucket-list experiences we had travelled to China for.

✨ Next up... Xi'an and the remarkable Terracotta Warriors.

🇳🇿 Dreaming of New Zealand? 🚢There is no better way to appreciate New Zealand's spectacular coastline than from the wate...
08/08/2026

🇳🇿 Dreaming of New Zealand? 🚢

There is no better way to appreciate New Zealand's spectacular coastline than from the water.

Think dramatic fjords, beautiful coastal towns, incredible scenery and waking up to a new destination each day, all without having to constantly pack and unpack.

I have selected three fantastic New Zealand cruises for 2027 and 2028, with something to suit different travel styles, from premium cruising through to a more luxurious experience.

Having cruised New Zealand myself, Fiordland National Park was an absolute highlight and one of those experiences that really does live up to the photos.

✨ Plus, throughout August, enjoy $50 off your first booking with me.

If New Zealand is calling, send me a message and I would love to help you find the perfect cruise. 🇳🇿⚓

06/08/2026

💡 New Zealand Cruise Tips 🇳🇿🚢💙

🚢 Choose your itinerary carefully. Not all cruises visit the same ports or include scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park.

🎟️ Book popular shore excursions early. Popular tours often sell out before departure.

🧥 Pack for all seasons. Even in summer, New Zealand's weather can change quickly. Layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes are essential.

🌊 Prepare for rough seas. The Tasman Sea can be unpredictable, so consider a mid-ship cabin and start seasickness medication before symptoms begin if you are prone to motion sickness.

🚌 Research your ports. Some ports, including Lyttelton (Christchurch) and Port Chalmers (Dunedin), require a shuttle or organised transport to reach the city. Be sure to factor these additional costs into your budget.

🎣 And if my husband was writing this... He would tell you that if your cruise visits the Bay of Islands, you absolutely have to go fishing! It was one of his highlights for the trip, and years later he is still talking about it.

🇳🇿 Have you been to New Zealand, or is it still on your wish list?

Whether you're dreaming of cruising through Fiordland or discovering New Zealand by sea, I'd love to help you plan your adventure.

🛏️ Why we booked a Mini SuiteOne of the questions I am asked most often is, "Do I really need a balcony?"My answer is al...
05/08/2026

🛏️ Why we booked a Mini Suite

One of the questions I am asked most often is, "Do I really need a balcony?"

My answer is always the same—it depends on the itinerary, your budget and how you plan to use your cabin.

For many cruises, I do not think a balcony is essential. However, for destinations such as Alaska, Norway and New Zealand, it is well worth considering. The scenery is constantly changing, and being able to sit on your own private balcony, coffee in hand, watching glaciers, fjords or searching for wildlife is an experience in itself.

The same applies to choosing a Mini Suite. It is not the right choice for everyone, but there are times when the extra space can make a real difference. Whether you are travelling as a couple, with family or simply enjoy having more room to relax, the larger cabin, additional storage and bigger bathroom can make your time onboard much more comfortable.

For our New Zealand cruise, we chose a Mini Suite because we wanted to enjoy the spectacular scenery from our own balcony, particularly while sailing through Fiordland National Park. Travelling with our two-year-old daughter, the extra space was just as important. Our cabin became much more than somewhere to sleep—it was where we spent nap time, relaxed after busy days ashore and unwound once our daughter had gone to bed.

For us, the Mini Suite was a practical upgrade that suited the way we travelled. As with any cabin category, the right choice always comes down to your priorities, budget and the type of holiday you want.

Week 2 of my Travel Series: Next stop... New Zealand 🇳🇿🚢💙✨ Why we chose New ZealandNew Zealand had been on our bucket li...
04/08/2026

Week 2 of my Travel Series: Next stop... New Zealand 🇳🇿🚢💙

✨ Why we chose New Zealand

New Zealand had been on our bucket list for years, and with a roundtrip cruise departing from Sydney, it felt like the perfect family adventure without travelling too far from home.

We could not wait to experience the incredible scenery, visit a few wineries (well... that was more for me! 🍷) and finally see what New Zealand had to offer. And if I am being honest, our love of The Lord of the Rings definitely helped inspire the trip too!

Cruising was the perfect way to explore. We unpacked once, visited multiple destinations and sailed through breathtaking Fiordland National Park (Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds)—some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery.

🚢 Why we chose Princess Cruises

Having booked many Princess cruises for my clients over the years, I had always loved their New Zealand itineraries. They were longer, more port-intensive and included many of the places we wanted to visit.

Our must-haves were a roundtrip cruise from Sydney, Tauranga (because Hobbiton was a must!) and scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park. Princess delivered on every one of them.

We also chose Royal Princess because it offered the right balance of size, dining and entertainment without feeling overwhelming. With several tender ports on the itinerary, I also preferred a ship of this size over one of the larger mega ships.

👧 Cruising with our two-year-old

Cruising was one of the easiest holidays we could have chosen with a toddler. We unpacked once, woke up in a new destination every day and always had somewhere to eat, relax and explore.

Our daughter took everything in her stride and loved every minute of the adventure.

One thing worth knowing is that Princess Cruises' youth program starts from three years of age. As our daughter was only 22 months old, she could visit the kids' club with us but could not be left under the supervision of the youth staff.

For us, this was not a deal breaker because we knew it before we booked. However, if you are travelling with children under three and hoping to use a supervised kids' club, it is something to keep in mind when comparing cruise lines.

🇯🇵 Japan in Spring... there really is nothing quite like it. 🌸After sharing my own Japan adventures over the past week, ...
04/08/2026

🇯🇵 Japan in Spring... there really is nothing quite like it. 🌸

After sharing my own Japan adventures over the past week, I wanted to share a few incredible cruises available during Japan's stunning cherry blossom season.

If Japan is on your bucket list, there has never been a better time to experience it.

📩 Whether it's the cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji or discovering Japan by sea, I would love to help you plan the perfect journey.

🇯🇵 Japan - Part 3 🚢 Setting Sail Around Japan For anyone considering Japan but feeling overwhelmed by the logistics of ...
31/07/2026

🇯🇵 Japan - Part 3

🚢 Setting Sail Around Japan
For anyone considering Japan but feeling overwhelmed by the logistics of trains, luggage and changing hotels, cruising was an easy and enjoyable way to experience the country.

🌸 Two Ports That Really Stood Out

🌿 Sakaiminato
Before this cruise, I had never heard of Sakaiminato, but it ended up being one of my favourite ports. With no plans for the day, we caught a complimentary shuttle to Yuushien Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens - and it certainly lived up to its reputation.

After days of sightseeing, it was the perfect place to slow down. Sitting in the teahouse with a cup of tea and a slice of matcha cheesecake while overlooking the gardens became one of my favourite moments of the trip.

🇰🇷 Busan
With our love of Korean food, South Korea had been on our travel list for years and Busan certainly did not disappoint. It quickly became one of the standout ports of our cruise and, in my opinion, is one of South Korea's hidden gems. We loved the combination of beaches, a buzzing atmosphere and mouth watering food. One day simply was not enough, and we would love to return to explore more.

🚢 Why We Chose Princess Cruises
Princess was an easy choice for our family. I had sailed with Princess before and knew we could count on great service, good food and a relaxed atmosphere — perfect for travelling with three generations.

I loved how Princess incorporated Japanese culture into the onboard experience. From tea ceremonies and origami to sake tastings and Japanese cuisine, it felt like the destination stayed with us even while we were at sea.

Diamond Princess was the perfect size, with a great selection of dining options, entertainment and quieter spaces. Whether we wanted to relax or keep busy, there was something for everyone.

🇯🇵 Things That Surprised Me About Japan
Japan constantly surprised us in the best way. The trains were incredibly quiet, public toilets were spotless, vending machines were everywhere, and we felt safe at any time of the day or night.

Despite how clean the country is, bins are surprisingly difficult to find, so carrying a small bag for rubbish quickly became part of our daily routine.

🍜 Food, Getting Around & Money
Food was one of the highlights of our trip. From ramen, gyoza and fluffy Japanese pancakes, every meal was an experience. Some of our favourite meals were at small local eateries we discovered while exploring. Google Translate quickly became our best friend when reading the menus.

Google Maps made getting around easy, with train times, platform numbers and walking directions all in one place. The transport system was clean, reliable and incredibly efficient.

Most places accepted Visa and Mastercard, but it was still worth carrying some cash for vending machines, markets and smaller local restaurants.

❤️ Looking Back
Japan was the perfect destination for our first international trip with a toddler and one of our favourite holidays to date. We left knowing we had only scratched the surface and cannot wait to return one day to explore even more. 🇯🇵❤️

Have you been to Japan? I would love to hear your favourite place, hidden gem or travel tip in the comments. And if Japan is still on your bucket list, what is the one experience you are most excited about?

🇯🇵 Japan - Part 2 🏰 Then Came Disney...If you know me, you'll know this was the part of the trip I had been counting dow...
30/07/2026

🇯🇵 Japan - Part 2

🏰 Then Came Disney...

If you know me, you'll know this was the part of the trip I had been counting down to.

As a lifelong Disney fan, I'd always dreamed of sharing Disney with my own children. Seeing our daughter experience the magic for the very first time made this trip even more special. Although she's too young to remember it, watching her eyes light up as she met the characters and explored the parks is a memory I'll treasure forever.

Before visiting, I had heard mixed reviews, with some saying it was better suited to older guests. I couldn't disagree more. Our whole family loved it. There was plenty to entertain our 22-month-old, while the thrill seekers enjoyed rides like Tower of Terror—equal parts exhilarating and terrifying!

For me, DisneySea didn't just live up to the hype—it exceeded every expectation. It's unlike any other Disney park and truly unique. I can't wait to return and explore Fantasy Springs, which opened in 2024.

🏨 My Tip: Stay Close to the Parks
If you're planning a visit to Tokyo Disney, my biggest piece of advice is simple — stay nearby. If your budget allows, I'd highly recommend staying at one of the Disney hotels.

We stayed at Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel, which offered the perfect balance of value and convenience, with complimentary shuttle buses and the added bonus of early park entry.

Arriving around an hour before the official opening, we were amazed to see hundreds of people already waiting to get in. The queues build quickly, so the extra park time was a real advantage.

The hotel itself was clean, comfortable and the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, making our stay even more enjoyable.

🏰 My Top Tips for Tokyo Disney Resort
🎟️ Book your park tickets and Premier Access as early as possible, especially during peak periods.

⏰ Arrive at least an hour before opening — even if you have early entry.

📱 Download the Tokyo Disney Resort app to check wait times, book Premier Access and order food.

🚶 Wear comfortable shoes—you'll easily walk 20,000+ steps in a day.

💧 Pack snacks, especially if you're travelling with children.

🌊 Allow a full day for each park—they're both incredible and offer completely different experiences.

👶 Both parks are extremely family-friendly, with excellent baby facilities and stroller parking.

✨ Slow down, soak up the atmosphere and use Premier Access to make the most of your day.

Week 1 of my Travel Series: 🇯🇵 Japan - Part 1 From the neon lights to peaceful gardens, incredible food and unforgettabl...
28/07/2026

Week 1 of my Travel Series: 🇯🇵 Japan - Part 1

From the neon lights to peaceful gardens, incredible food and unforgettable cultural experiences

Japan had been on our travel wish list for many years, and in 2023 we finally had the opportunity to experience it for ourselves. It surprised us in so many ways, and it's a destination we cannot wait to return to.

👨‍👩‍👧 Our Family Adventure

This wasn't just another holiday—it was a special multigenerational trip with our 22-month-old daughter and extended family. Travelling with three generations had its challenges, but it created memories we'll treasure forever.

✈️ Flying to Japan

We flew direct from Sydney to Tokyo with All Nippon Airways (ANA). The ANA crew were warm, friendly and incredibly attentive throughout the flight. The onboard meals and service were naturally geared towards Japanese travellers, which gave us our first taste of the culture. While I wasn't quite prepared for curry at breakfast, it was all part of the experience—and a reminder that we were flying with Japan's national airline. Qantas and Japan Airlines also offer direct flights on this route. The flight takes around 10 hours, making Japan one of the more accessible destinations from Australia.

🍁 When is the Best Time to Visit?

We travelled in October and loved it. We were able to avoid the summer heat and peak tourist crowds. It ended up being a fantastic time to travel.

We were lucky enough to experience beautiful autumn colours, comfortable temperatures and only two rainy days during our two-week trip. While Tokyo was still warm, the rest of our journey was pleasantly mild and perfect for sightseeing.

If you're hoping to avoid the heat, I'd personally steer clear of July to September, when Japan experiences hot, humid weather.

On the other hand, if seeing the famous cherry blossoms is at the top of your bucket list, I'd recommend travelling in late March to early April, when much of the country comes alive with spectacular pink blooms.

🗼 My Advice: Slow Down in Tokyo

If it's your first visit to Japan, I'd recommend spending at least three or four full days in Tokyo—we only scratched the surface.

Despite its size, Tokyo is surprisingly easy to explore. The extensive train network connects the city incredibly well, making it easy to visit different neighbourhoods and experience a completely different side of Tokyo in just a short journey.

While Tokyo is known for its fast pace, bright lights and constant energy, I think it's also a city that encourages you to slow down. Leave room to wander, explore without a strict plan and embrace the unexpected—you'll often stumble across hidden gems and create the memories you'll remember most.

🏨 Why We Chose Ginza

Travelling with a toddler, we wanted a modern hotel with easy transport and a little extra space. Ginza was the perfect fit, with a metro station and convenience store just minutes away.

One of my favourite memories from Ginza was stumbling across a tiny little hole-in-the-wall ramen restaurant. It wasn't flashy. There were no long queues. Just incredible ramen. Our only regret? Finding it on our last night instead of our first!

Welcome to My Travel Series ✈️🌏Travel has given me some of my most treasured memories, and over the years I have been fo...
28/07/2026

Welcome to My Travel Series ✈️🌏

Travel has given me some of my most treasured memories, and over the years I have been fortunate enough to explore some truly incredible destinations. As a wife, mum and Personal Travel Manager, I know every holiday tells a story, and every journey teaches you something new.

That's exactly why I've created this travel series.

Over the coming weeks, I will be sharing my personal experiences, professional insights and practical travel tips to help you make the most of your own adventures.

First stop is one of my favourite destinations...

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Forster, NSW

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+61421234994

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