A Recent Journey
Montgomery in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, September 2025

Uzbekistan is an emerging travel destination, with a wealth of Middle Eastern and Soviet influences. The people are warm, friendly and welcoming; and the architecture, along with a tradition of textiles and ceramics, makes it a great country to explore. This tour was courtesy of Glenda Fagan at www.boutiquetours.com.au 

My Upcoming and Recent Travels Plans
I am still actively travelling myself and below is what I have arranged.


March 2026 Cruise Discovery Princess 

Sydney-Eden-Sydney 


May-September 2026 World Cruise Crown Princess 

Sydney - Melbourne - Adelaide - Perth -Mauritius - South Africa - Namibia - Cape Verde - Morocco - Spain - France - Belgium - Holland - Denmark - Sweden -Finland - Poland - Estonia - United Kingdom - Iceland -Canada - United States - Colombia - Panama Canal -Ecuador - Peru - Chile - Pitcairn - French Polynesia -New Zealand - Sydney


April 2027 Fly/Tour

China: Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai - Chengdu - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichan


June-August 2027 Fly/Tour 

UK - Egypt - Jordan

May 2028 Cruise Scenic Eclipse 2

Kimberley Coast

June-September 2028 Circle Pacific Cruise Grand Princess 

Sydney - Norfolk Island - New Zealand - Fiji -Western Samoa - French Polynesia - Hawai'i - United States - Canada - Alaska - Japan - Taiwan - Hong Kong - Vietnam - Indonesia - Darwin - Cairns - Townsville - Airlie Beach - Brisbane - Sydney

Who is Michael Bampton?

And more importantly, who is Montgomery?

Montgomery has travelled with me since 2002; he is my Travel Mascot; and we have been to all 7 continents together. During his travels in the year, he has it all documented resulting in an annual Calendar 'Showcase' and Quiz - no prizes for correctly guessing where he's been. However, I can help YOU go to where Montgomery has been!


I enjoy planning travel for familiy and friends, and now want to extend that to YOU!assionate about Travel in all forms, but especially by Air, Rail and Sea. Hailing from the UK and having family in South Africa, I have travelled back and forth over the years adding side trips here and there around Africa, Europe and the Americas. 


I have been cruising for 25 years, amassing some 48 cruises and 833 nights on the ocean. I have done both short and ultra long cruises using cruise lines such as Princess, P&O, Holland America, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Oceana and Scenic. My main ‘loyalty’ is to Princess, where I am in the top tier of their loyalty program, and am regularly invited to the cruises ‘Most Travelled Luncheon’.


My cruise experience as a consumer, gives me confidence in turning people's travel dreams into reality, and I often take a brief trip to expand my knowledge of cruise lines, which is not only essential but also incredibly rewarding. Being experienced as a passenger, I understand what consumers expect from the different levels of cruise lines and am excited to apply my knowledge to help others.


I have several cruises booked for 2026 as a ‘consumer’; in March I had a short 3 night ‘sampler’ on Discovery Princess - in my opinion one of Princess’s Best ships. From May to September, I am onboard the 114 night World Cruise on Crown Princess - this is a vessel I have not sailed on, so am looking forward to exploring and researching, especially since it has had a minor refit late in 2025. 


I have travelled experience with many Airlines, in all classes of travel. I am most familiar with airlines belonging to the QneWorld alliance, holding Lifetime Gold Status with Qantas.


In 2027 I plan to go to Europe/UK, but that is not booked yet, but what I have arranged is a holiday to Egypt and Jordan, with a cruise along the Nile River. In 2028, I have already booked the 94 night Circle Pacific on board Grand Princess.


As I travel, I make notes for myself, both good and bad, which help me advise whether a particular cruise product would suit a potential client, so stay tuned as I experience these holidays.


The benefits of booking with a travelling travel agent like me include. 


Personalized service✅ 


Peace of mind✅ 


Expert knowledge✅ 


Dedicated support✅ 


Backed by an Australian Company ✅ 


Saving you time and money ✅ 

and so much more.


As an independent advisor, I rely on new business, so if you know someone who needs a hand planning their next holiday, I'm here to help make their travel dreams, or perhaps your dreams, a reality.


If you're up to date with me, come back soon for new blog entries

In the meantime amuse yourself with our previous travel blogs by clicking the button on the bottom.


Disclaimer: The information on this blog is based on personal experience and is for general information purposes only. Whilst I strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information, travel details do change. I am not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the use of this information. Should you find any inaccurate information, please do not hesitate to contact me.