Tour Selection

Peter Beckett
with his hitchhiking group after their bus got a flat tyre when travelling
from Cusco to Puno in South America

CONGRATULATIONS

January 2008 - N/A

February 2008 - Nancy Rasmus, Victoria

Nancy Rasmus from Torquay in Victoria took this on a Bunnik Tour to India. Voting comments: "That's what it is all about, seeing the world and sharing with the local kids." "This one is VERY VERY lovely. Captures the experiences with travelling ! ! !" "This photo depicts one of the most valuable and treasured aspects of travel - meeting people of other cultures. The smile on the children's faces tell a wonderful story." "It looks like Nancy Rasmus is interested in the local children while on holiday and I think that is fantastic to spend some time with them." "Like the inclusion of local kids & a clear picture of a Bunnik shirt." "An exceptional & worthwhile part of travel is 'connection' with the locals of the area you are visiting. This photo certainly shows Nancy as a Bunnik ambassador and the delight of the kids is obvious." "Such a delightful human touch. The childrens smiling faces tell the story." "This is what travelling is all about, the children make it special all over the world." "What a great shot! The most precious gift of time and key to the future,books for education has been given to these children. Well done Nancy! Great memories last forever." "Beautiful!  What the world needs now is love, sweet love..." "Having travelled with Bunnik this photo epitomises for me the spirit of global friendship I relished on my travels. Relaxed friendly interaction among people of the world can only be positive for both the traveller and the wonderful folk they encounter on the journey." "This photo brought a smile to my face. It is nice to share." "A happy meeting of cultures." "This is the reason why I travel…to get to know the locals. And the childrens’facial expressions tell all." "On your tours there is the opportunity to help less priviliged people than ourselves. This shot depicts such an opportunity "

March 2008 - Lyn Christiansen, Queensland

Lyn & Andrew Christiansen and Bron & Phil Ackland, who climbed Wayna (Huayna) Picchu, the mountain located behind Machu Picchu on a tour to South America. Voting comments: "The lovely Gina should be in the winning photo." "The picture doesn't do it justice, having viewed it from Machu Picchu it is an awsome achievement with an incredible view." "Great adventure shot " "This photo should take the prize because it shows the immensity of the mountains and Machu Picchu clinging precariously to the side of them. It also shows the climbers with their triumphant smiles, belying the exhaustion they must have been feeling. Lyn Christiansen has got the balance between mountain and man just right. I must declare a vested interest in this photo: Peru is my No 1 travel destination at the moment and I am saving hard to get there." "Just like the scenery in the background, and the way they managed to get the people in clearly without blocking too much of it." "They seem to be on top of the world." "As I have booked for this trip next year, this photo will keep me going during the busy times at work." "Love the guide." "Wonderfully captured moment at a truly classic and historical site in Peru." "I am voting for this photo because I was on the trip with these great adventurers and I know how exhilarated they were to achieve the climb to the top. Had my knees been in better condition I would have joined them. Gina was fantastic!" "I think this photo should win - not only for all the technical reasons but it is a great photo of what travel is all about - adventure and fun. It makes me want to go there." "Looks lovely." "This photo brings back amazing memories of 3 years ago when I was in the same spot in a similar group." "I did this trip with in May. I got sick and had to stay in Cuzco while the others went on to Macchu Pichu. I would LOVE to have been able to take this pic with me in it, but it was not to be, but this pic shows just how incredibly beautiful the place is." "Great photo." "Just loved the high alittude look of this photo, wish I been there." "A clear bright photo taken in a challenging situation." "A great photo." "What a view." "I love great scenery - this gets my vote." "This shows us how amazing the scenery is there. I'd like to see it." "Great photo with spectacular scenery. Just lovely." "The group photo illustrates the Bunnik spirit of adventure and puts into perspective the awesome scale of the mountain range and showing people actually lived here in ancient times. This trip is on my wish list!" "I would love to do this trip as the scenery looks spectacular and to think the Incas lived up there so long ago, really fascinating!" "We're saving to visit here after Egypt. I can only imagine from where the photo is being taken." "Breathtaking" "Great photo." "Fantastic always wanted to go there, but am in a wheelchair now so rather limited. It is a great photo." "Looks like a happy band of travelers with gorgeous scenery in the background." "I salivate over Machu Picchu in all and any photos I ever see. This one shows such a different view with obvious effort gone into the climb to give us all something new to aim for. It is this sort of travel photo that makes the true traveller out of a tourist. Hope we'll be there in 2009." "Lyn C's photo is a really good travel photo." "This was a great photo. I think they look very brave hanging on to the front of the train. Well done to them." "Wow – what a view – and how brave to climb that far." "Captures some of my fondest memories at the same place in 2002 after walking the ‘Inca Trail’."

April 2008 - Cathy Branigan, Victoria

Cathy Branigan from Victoria took this beautiful shot of the ruins of Palmyra in Syria on our Istanbul to Damascus tour. Voting comments: "Shows the transient insignificance of man in relation to the enduring monuments." "I like the April photo best. It seems to epitomize an important strength of Bunnik Tours. "Not too young......."  but more able perhaps to appreciate how different, sometimes ancient peoples shared the same human frailties and strengths that we see in our own times. They knew the same delights and aspirations, the same hardship and tragedy. Bunnik Tours seem illustrated by this photo; journeys of fun and instruction, with like-minded companions from many backgrounds."

May 2008 - Sally Wilkinson, Victoria

Sally Wilkinson from Victoria took this fun shot of our Egyptian guide Ibrahim getting ‘flippered’ at the Red Sea. Voting comments: "Great fun photo." "Excellent photo - how inspiring!" "Light, airy, active and fun." "This encapsulates the essence of Bunnik touring - Ibrahim epitomises the quality of the guides who contribute so much to the success of the tour...not only are they knowledgable but will do almost anything to accommodate the wishes of their group...and with a smile ! !" "I have chosen the may photograph as i believe it is the best marketing advertisement photo for bunnik tours. It is clear and easy to see and it is fun - it is also very different in the way the photo has been set up. It is great." "This is the way to keep a good man down." "Great tours, great guides." "Loved this photo of  Ibrahim – the Greastest Guide on Earth!" "In this photo the guide looks as though he is enjoying the trip as much as the travellers Really good." "Very colourful, unusual and perfect for advertising." "Great Photo. I lived Egypt as well." "The photo of Ibrihim reminds me of how terrific he was as a guide on our trip to Egypt: he was extremely knowledgable, highly organised and a lot of fun. He really went out of his way to make our trip memorable." "Just like it." "This is the best photo taken by Sally Wilkinson on the Egypt tour on the Red Sea. Ibrahim (the Tour Guide) was the most amazing person. He not only was a guide,but was so interested us, as individuals. He gave his all to everybody. His knowledge as an Egyptologist that described the Hyroglaephics was amazing. And through the tour, it was a privilege to be in his company. His passion for his country had an enormous impact on us as a group and strongly feel very privilege to have learnt so much from him. I think this deserves the award as it depicts his humblestness as a human, and the love of his country." "Ibrahim is a great guide with outstanding knowledge and a passion for his country and it's history ... The photo is clever and to see Ibrahim knocked off his feet is a worthy winner ! ! ! ! Di and I did the E in Depth in April 08 and absolutely loved it ..." "It's a fabulous, exuberant picture!" "The photo displays the sense of fun and enjoyment experienced by like minded people in a well organised and executed holiday." "Great photo, Good guides are hard to come by. This photo shows the guide enjoying the job as much as the people who travel do." "Pinned down – but free to go! Good shot!"

June 2008 - Michele Brown, Queensland

Michele Brown of Queensland took this incredibly cheeky photo from this wedding couple recently in Bratislava. It looks like we need to start running special honeymoon tours! Voting comments: "I like the fact that Michele convinced strangers to spread the Bunnik message - and on their wedding day too! Good fun." "To think about Bunnik at such a special time says something about the company!" "Great photo." "A most unusual holiday photo, not what you expect among holiday snaps, and a great ad for the tolerance of Bunnik Tours." "Fits in with the Theme NOT TOO YOUNG NOT TOO OLD, and shows a bit of ingenuity to get the Bridal couple to pose.. Not a usual destination either." "Fantastic to see a local celebration." "It must win. Who else would photograph a newly married couple holding a Bunniks sign???? Definitely the most original of them all – despite the fact that I was there when Michelle took the photo." "Captured the moment beautifully..." "Wonderful to see a couple on the most important day of their lives prepared to participate for Bunniks!" "Very savvy move by this smart young lady. Where in the world would one be able to capture a photograph like that ! ! ! ! ! ! !" "How do you get total strangers, in the middle of their wedding, to play the photo game???? Great work!" "Sweet!"

July 2008 - Bob Hallett, Victoria

Bob Hallett from Victoria took this nice composition of the stunning scenery of Vietnam’s Halong Bay. Voting comments: "I think this photo is so perfect, it makes you want to go and visit Vietnam (with Bunnik Tours of course)." "A lovely daydreaming photo." "This photo makes me dream of a calm, peaceful holiday far away from the maddening crowds." "Looks like a magical place." "I love the tranquillity of the setting, as well as the way the picture is framed - everything is perfectly balanced. Good Luck!" "Beautiful coastline and intriguing vessel that we glimpse." "My husband and I had a wonderful time on Halong Bay – It is a stunning area of the world." "Magnificent scenery, calm sailing with Bunnik!" "I really enjoyed cruising in Halong Bay in Vietnam." "This photo epitomises the grandeur of the scenery, a star-attraction surely for anyone thinking of travelling to South-East Asia." "The clear image of this photo along with the calming effect the photo has is so appealing." "What a wonderful way to spend a day floating amongst that scenery on an old junk. You couldn't help but relax." "Awsome photo could imagine myself there." "Serene and beautiful. Has the desired effect of making me want to go there!" "No footprints to be seen you can feel the tranquility." "I loved the sense of place this photo brings. The majesty of the water and surrounds from the prow of the boat, so peaceful. Congratulations to the photographer on such an excellent composition." "Great photo." "This photo makes you feel as though you are really there, enjoying the awesome view.....and makes you want to book to see it for yourself  ! !" "This is such a nice photo .. I recently travelled to Halong Bay, Vietnam and the photo captures this lovely destination." "Brought back lots of lovely memories we have of a cruise we took from Hong Kong to Halong Bay which is just a magical destination.  We will never forget standing on our balcony in the early morning mist as our huge cruise ship slipped silently through the islands." "Nicely composed photo." "Vietnam is on top of my travel wish list, this photo shows why. The scenery looks enchanting and mystical." "Voting for Bob Hallett's Ha Long Bay because it's mine and it is a beautiful place." "Bob Hallett's Ha Long Bay. It is my husbands shot. I was there when he took the shot. What a magnificent place and what a beautiful photo." "Post Card perfect." "It's simplistic yet captures everything including the bunnik tours banner." "I would love to be on this boat!" "Because its about the country 1st and last and not people we do not know." "This photo shows the bay in all its glory and brings back wonderful memories of the fantastic trip to Vietnam and the new friendships we made, made even better by the organisation by Bunnik Tours." "What type of Sailing Boat were you sailing on? The water is flat and the boat is heading out to sea?" "Beautifully composed shot, boat's prow leading on to landscape shows that we can become part of the stunning coastline." "Winner"

August 2008 - Don Horne, New South Wales

Don Horne from Port Macquarie took this fun photo in Hoi An in Vietnam. Voting comments: "This photo reminds me of when I was in Thailand." "A lovely photo of tourists enjoying themselves." "Captures the true spirit of touring around the world!" "Love the innovative use of a travel luggage strap." "Because they look like they are having a whale of a time."

September 2008 - Geoff Waite, Queensland

Geoff Waite from Queensland took this photo of The Three (beautiful) Graces at Machu Picchu in Peru. Voting comments: "We were on this wonderful tour, so of course we would vote for this photo ! !" "Presumably, these three 'virgins' weren't to be sacrificed on the Inca alter at Machu Picchu - they look like their having too much fun!"

October 2008 - Jacie Malseed, Victoria

Full marks to Jacie Malseed from Melbourne for incorporating some true Aussie toilet humour into the competition. Voting comments: "Excellent" "Love the aussie humour content.  All great shots. Just wish we had entered one ! !" "Great fun with an Aussie sense of humour!" "Priceless" "Toilets are a fascinating part of travel ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !" "I really enjoyed looking at all the photos but the October entry has to take the cake; knocking on the door for the big prize. It captures something that is a topic of so much conversation during any travel and often forms a part of the glorious stories after travel. Perhaps the new motto should be "When you've gotta go, go with Bunnik!" "An absolute gem of a photo." "Toilets of the world are fascinating" "'Dunny' humour at its best -  important to maintain a sense of humour at all times!" "Glad I didn’t have to use my Bunnik luggage strap in a situation like this as I cruised the Danube in July ! ! ! ! ! !" "Very funny ! !" "This is very funny gets my vote." "In case you are claustrophobic." "I think this is  gorgeous, we all have to use the toilet when overseas (or at any time for that matter) and boy we have seen some beauties while away." "It's quirky with a story like all good travel photos should be." "Loved it, would never have thought to do anything like that. I think its great." "Just love it , gets my vote good on the aussies they are always the best fun on tour." "Just so Aussie!" "Oh my goodness, WHAT A RELIEF ! ! :o) "Such a delightful human touch.  The childrens smiling faces tell the story." "Only Aussies could see the funny side of “toilet humour” – love it ! !" "Good old Aussie Toilet Humour." "This one really made me smile. Great idea ! ! ! !" "Kenny eat your heart out!" "A necessary evil no matter where one travels but always a great souce of humour.  An amusing photo – it made my day!" "KENNY would be proud! A great fun photo! Toilets (or lack of) are always a main topic of conversation on any overseas trip. Well done!" "Obviously a severe case of Delhi Belly, or was it Montezuma's revenge.  Anyway a fun photo!" "How cool is the photo of the tour group. Something different. Really enjoy your newsletter and the interesting articles of different destinations. I really enjoyed going to Egypt on in depth tour in April 2008 with Ibrahim. Merry Christmas and look forward to touring with you again." "Great, wish I was there!" "Very Interesting!" "A very humerous side to travelling." "It just says it all about travelling in groups.....nothing is sacred ! ! ! ! ! !" "All great photos brings back memories of a great bunniks holiday good luck to all entrants extra good luck to Jacie." "Great to see the aussie humour alive and well around the globe." "Great Aussie humour in this one ! ! !" "love toilet humour.... Merry xmas, see you in July for the kandy festival." "This photo shows the really Aussie spirit of fun. Have to be a winner. Hope I can find a unique picture to take when travel to Egypt on the 7th of April 2009 with Bunnik Tours." "This has to be the winner ! !" "Well thought out pic and good on all the actors for participating." "Brilliant!" "October’s photo shows the great spirit of the Aussie traveller. I think it’s priceless and had a few of these moments myself! Thanks for the laugh ! ! !" "Love this one." "Great toilet humour." "What we sometimes have to do when nature calls when wer'e overseas, it definately is a culture shock." "How community minded and friendly can this place be! I want to go there." "This one gets my vote - it's just too weird not to win!" "I think this photo of an open public toilet deserves to be the winner because of its unickness, for we all know world wide that going to the toilet to do natures call is a really private matter. I find this photo is most unusual and interesting to know that there are open toilets." "Fantastic" "I love the sense of humour in this photo. My Bunnik tour was so full of fun, and this photo encompasses that feeling." "What a ripper ! ! ! The dunny lives on !" "I have to vote for this one."

November 2008 - Janice Sale, Victoria

The photo features Janice’s husband Michael standing next to the statue of the Hawk in the Hawk of Horus Quadrangle in Egypt. Voting comments: "Captures the great beauty of Egypt ! !" "Looks like they have had a great time in Egypt. Shows just how amazing Egypt is, I often forget just how old everything is and marvel at how sculptures like this one were carved!"

December 2008 - Peter Beckett, Victoria

Peter Beckett from Victoria took this photo in October when Peter was travelling, from Cusco to Puno, in South America. Unfortunately the bus got a flat tyre, so while waiting for a replacement the group thought it would be fun to hitch a lift! Voting comments: "Dec should win because it epitomises Bunnik – a remote location with the passengers having a great time – playing up to locals." "This picture shows the adventure of travel and the importance of links with locals as well as having fun even when things don't go to plan." "Know the feeling." "A great example of Aussie humour!" "Well, being present on the tour and wife of Peter, I couldn't vote for anyone else's photo, could I?  Actually, the whole trip was wonderful and a little glitch like flat tyres only served to 'bond' the group together. Much fun went into making our wait enjoyable!" "This is what Bunnik is all about. People having fun in all situations and making a flat tyre into an adventure!" "Self reliant Aussies - the bus breaks down so we find another method of transport and good use of a Bunnik sign." "This is a great photo! Has everything, humour, beautiful scenery and people smiling faces!  What more could you ask for in a photo? This photo should win for the above reasons. But I have to admit the October picture was a close 2nd." "Great photo." "Having recently experienced a bus breakdown in Morocco this photo brings back memories of the bonding between the group and the interaction with the locals." "Great Aussie humor to have fun no matter what and to incorporate a local is excellent." "We were in South America in April this year this brought back memories." "Great photo, great place, wish I could go again!" "This one does it for me - it has humour, a happy Bunnik's group & a scenic backdrop." "Typical lazy Aussies." "Great reflection on a strong local person." "Great photo ... match the pace and all that." "Cultural diversity at it's best ! !" "This one gets my vote because it is so much a "contradiction". They say they were looking for a lift but I really think they liked the place so much they wanted to stay.  Why else would they put the "blokes" up front wth the sign.  They should have put the ladies up front and the "blokes" remained hidden in the bushes until someone stopped. No wonder the old gentleman didn't give them even a glance and was probaly wary about giving the ladies "the eye"!" "It's a fun photo without being vulgar or boring - hope it wins." "This shows what fun loving people travel with Bunnik tours, making the most of every opportunity." "I think December photo is very funny,that is way i select it,but i admit the decition was not easy." "Excellent photo! Demonstrates clearly the fun, sense of adventure, and camaraderie of a Bunnik’s touring group." "Peter has shown that with foresight and ingenuity a great travel photo can result, congratulations!" "How lucky are we?" "Nice Image, tells a story as it includes a local person going about normal life, good composition, and a sense of humor." "It's amusing and with local point of interest!" "Although I think the ‘dunnie’ one is good, I really like the ‘thumbing a ride’ photo from December." "I like the irony of this shot. Unique, with a touch of cultural differences. Well done." "Great shot! I hope they weren't expecting the local lady to drag them along behind and up the distant hills." "I enjoyed the humor of the photo." "Very original." "Why would they want a hand?" "Unique, amusing and makes us wonder. Were is this? What is happening?" "This photo shows the Aussie sense of humour which appeals to me. Of course the 'toilet' scene is humourous, but my choice shows the dry, laconic humour we are renowned for. It would raise a laugh in any culture" "It's the best photo." "I think this photo is a great action photo." "This lady is obviously going too fast to stop for these hitchhikers! Great photo showing the Bunnik spirit - adventures in unique places and interaction with colourful locals. Well done!" "I think this photo epitomises what Bunnik Tours is all about. Small group of travellers having fun together in far off places." "I like to see travelers being positive in situations beyond their control in travel or life. Shows how strangers can become friends, happens often on group tours – bringing people together with a common thread. Looking relaxed out of their home environment whilst getting a glimpse of the surroundings of the country. This one gets my vote but appreciated all the photos." "Great sense of where the hell to from here." "An Aussie will always find a way." "I love the humour. Makes you want to know about the lady and where she is going." "I like this foto, for quality, & the "contrast" between the "Indiana" who is used to walk,(she does`t have others means) & the turist/citypeople, used to go by car everywhere ! ! Very good one ! ! ! congratulations......" "Pure inspiration." "An evocative depiction of different cultures." "Love the impromptu setup!" "Typical of the fun and games that happens on Bunniks tours." "Great photo and very clever with lots of humour.......just up my alley!" ""Hitch hiking in Peru is my choice!" "A photo that encapsulates what touring should be about. Adaptation, local colour, fun, wonderful sights, companionship, humour - etcetera!" "Lovely photo - makes me want to go to Peru!"

Bunnik Tours Travel Photo of the Year 2008

In 2008 it was again a very close race with Peter Beckett and his Hitchhikers winning by a narrow margin from the Aussie Toilet Humour. The 2009 photo competition can be found here.

Conditions

By submitting your photo you agree that Bunnik Tours may use your photo for marketing and promotional purposes. The judges decision about the Photo of the Month and Photo of the Year is final and no correspondence will be entered into.