Fast forward to Amsterdam constantly looking up at signs and gates asking the information desk if I was exactly where I needed to be in fear that I would miss the next plane.  Now being some what traveled I look back on the experience and laugh.  If I would have only known then what I know now I would've told myself to just breath and use that 14hr layover to venture out into the city for a bit of fun.

Traveling to three other places besides Australia I learned more and more about travel; more efficient ways to navigate, and how to book that coveted exit row seat for more leg room on long trips.  Upon returning from Thailand I began my search in looking for a place that would be a one stop shop.  I even thought to myself that if I couldn't find one then by golly I was going to start one myself!  Behold Tripology.  I thought AWESOME there is a place that will do it all for you.  Keep in mind I work 12hrs a day seven days a week which leaves zero room to research and plan an 18 day trip to Australia.  I plugged in all the necessary information, and bingo within 24hrs I had two travel agents competing for my business.  Get this at no cost or obligation!

I chose John with Active Journeys since he was a native of Australia.  I will also mention that one of the reasons why I choose you John is because you were a male.  No offense to the ladies but I just didn't feel that I could really express what I was after, and I felt that well dudes understand dudes better than say a woman.

John was with me through it all and if you ask him he will tell you just exactly how indecisive I was from the very beginning.  He actually worked an itinerary up for me to call and tell him that my contract could possibly be ending due to the administration change.  A few months went by and it turns out that the bleeding heart liberals decided to stay the course in Iraq!  I couldn't believe it...I called John up and guess what he still had the original itinerary and all my information still on file.  Still at zero cost folks.  Now I was 100% sure that I was bound for Oz. (Cool nickname I picked up from the peoples while there in Australia)

The deposit was then paid and believe me John had earned it.  I told him that I did not have a major credit card, but a bank ATM debit card.  This didn't slow the process down one bit. NO PROBLEM!  John did all the research and would send me itinerary after itinerary and I would decide yes and no on some things and send it back for him to fix.  Sometimes I would even send multiple e-mails saying yes to certain activities, and follow it up with a no to those same activities.  I thought to myself he must be cursing me, but John always responded enthusiastically and politely.  He finally managed to hammer out an itinerary that catered to all my wants and needs.  We were meant for each other.  O how I miss my darling Australia....

ANYWAY, Now I am thinking how is he going to get all these documents to me in time?  This was a week before I was scheduled to leave Iraq, and the mail system naturally isn't what it is back in the states.  John said no problem I'll just e-mail you everything you need.  Technology is great isn't it!  John did not hesitate on leaving all of his contact information, and even informed me that I could contact Mandy Mathis in the event of his absence.  It was all put on the table.

The itinerary was easy to follow.  Everything was self explanatory.  He even put the numbers of the outfits that were booked which made it nice to call and confirm pick up times or if I needed to reschedule something I could do so with ease.  Everything went as planned.  Due to bad weather a fishing trip got cancelled, but not to worry John worked with me up until the end making sure I was refunded in a quick manner.  He was always sending me e-mails to keep me abreast of the situation. Nice job!  Thank you!

I highly recommend using John through Tripology or Active Journeys.  He did an outstanding job from start to finish at a reasonable price.  I don't believe that my experiences would have been as great as they were if I had not booked through Tripology.  It had always been a childhood dream to visit Australia.  Through John and Tripology they made it a once in a life time trip for me...truly. 

John thanks so much for your patience and understanding throughout the entire process.  This trip will be something that I will talk to my friends and family about it for years to come.  I will talk you and your services up to all my expatriate friends, and anyone else who will listen.

Thank you!