Our special Christmas Sundowner

What better way to plan your next holiday than to pick the brain of travel experts over a glass of wine as the sun goes down.

That’s exactly what more than 30 Travel readers did last week at a Christmas sundowner here at our home at Seven West Media.

The informal event was an opportunity for guests to meet the Travel team — Stephen Scourfield, Niall McIlroy, Gemma Nisbet and myself — and seek tips on upcoming trips.

Questions ranged from bucket-list destinations to tour choices for solo travellers.

The myriad of insurance options and potential pitfalls had many wondering how they could choose wisely to ensure a hassle-free holiday. Our advice — always read the fine print first — was perhaps a tad obvious, but the fact is travel insurance is a big deal so it’s important to know exactly what you will be covered for, otherwise you could end up with unwelcome and unaffordable expenses you hadn’t factored into the budget.

A goodies bag meant guests left with items to inspire them on their next journey; especially Stephen’s new book, Elsewhere, which not only recounts his recent journeys but also his childhood and home.

Fact File

• Elsewhere is $12 a copy. Call 1800 429 000 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday to have it mailed (no p&p charge). Or visit Newspaper House, 50 Hasler Road, Osborne Park, between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. 
• The sundowner was just one of our West Travel Club events for registered members (it’s free to sign up), with a special deal for our Gold Members (Gold Membership is $49).  
• For more information on West Travel Club, go to westtravelclub.com.au/join