Travel is back and so are Australia’s favourite travel critics on Channel 9’s Travel Guides.
It’s one of the most unique and honest shows on television with the five groups of critics visiting the same location for the same week-long holiday, reviewing the cuisine, accommodation, activities, and tourist sights.
On a recent visit to Perth Have a Go News sat down with posh retiree couple Kevin and Janetta.
Prior to retiring, the couple both had careers in the travel industry which inspired them to apply for the first series of the show in 2015.
Kevin and Janetta said that one of the successes of the show is that they’re allowed to say exactly what they think about each place they visit.
“We have an amazing pull with product because we’re so honest. A lot of people tell us they decide on their holidays based on what we do,” said the couple.
Renowned for hating camping and often referred to as the travel snobs of the show, Kevin and Janetta use three criteria to judge – accommodation, destination and experiences.
“Accommodation is the most important component to a holiday for us, we like nice digs, anything that has sand around it, like a tent, we hate.”
Seen in almost every episode with a glass of wine and toasting with a ‘chin, chin’ the couple said that it’s become their catch phrase.
On their travels for the show they arrive at the airport not knowing where they are going. They are given a packing list and a temperature guide for clothing prior and then they are off.
“Travel Guides has made us do things that we would normally never consider including bungy jumping in New Zealand, zip lining over a canyon in Hawaii and a helicopter ride over a live volcano.
Doing things outside their comfort zone makes them appreciate travel more.
“One of things we have had to come to grips with is that we have no control of where we are going and what we are doing.
“We could be camping in a tent in Fraser Island or staying at a $2000 per night palace in India.”
The couple say that when you get a little older you look for comfort.
Kevin said his favourite trip was the river cruise down the Danube and Janetta really loved visiting Israel and Sri Lanka. Their favourite travel experience is cruising, the couple have clocked up more than 30 cruises.
I asked them for their top travel tips…
“Don’t let age stop you from doing things; enjoy every moment even if things go pear shaped, just roll with the punches.
“Don’t be afraid of using your seniors’ card all over the world. Get those discounts.
“If you are visiting somewhere where they drive on the other side of the road and you haven’t done that before, don’t do it.
“Don’t cheap out on accommodation if you can afford it – it’s worthwhile spending the extra money on a nice room.”
The warm and friendly couple believe that as you get older your travel life is finite so appreciate the experience that travel can bring you.
Travel Guides airs on Wednesdays at 7.30pm on Channel 9.
