Sunday 23 March 2008

The almost unheard of destination

TRAVEL TIPS

With John Crook

www.thetravelman.net

The almost unheard of destination

Apart from a handful of Queenslanders in the know, Bargara remains a pretty good secret. However, with the huge reduction off its rack price, Don Pancho Beach Resort, east of Bundaberg, is about to raise the profile of the central Queensland beach. The beachfront resort is cutting the tariff of a seven-night holiday for two people from $840 to $400, an incredible saving of $440 or 50% off. The package includes a daily continental breakfast. The only catch is bookings need to be made prior to April 30 and travel is valid through until June 30th 2008, and that includes school holidays. Bookings and conditions contact www.totaltravel.com

Coffee and cake at Innsbruck

The Austrian ski resort area in the Tyrol region is picture perfect. Leading into its summer months one travel group is offering a coffee and cake voucher at Café Sacher, along with a 48 hour Innsbruck card per person for unlimited public transport access. Savings galore with the three-day package price from $327 per person, twin share. Contact Tempo Holidays on 1300 558 987.

Make a Date

There is always something happening in the national capital and the weekend of April 5 and 6 will continue the run of fun schedules. It’s the annual Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival, showcasing quality wines, sterling cuisine complemented by music of the jazz genre, Irish too through to bluegrass and folk.

Romance is in the air

The Taj Mahal arguably is the most romantic building on earth, the drawcard for all romantics and add the flavour of royalty for yet another dimension.

There’s an Indian summer package on offer which includes accommodation at the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur and the Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur. The tour also includes a full day tour of Mumbai, a trip across the harbour to Elelphanta Island and its caves. The price from $4127 per person twin share includes accommodation, daily breakfasts, flights in India, private vehicle transportation, sightseeing with local guides and airport transfers. The deal is valid between May 1 and September 30. More details by ringing Icon Holidays on 1300 853 953

Bill loves Port Douglas

President Clinton is one of the best promoters of Port Douglas, having spent time holidays in the tropics. Wander the streets of the resort village and you never know who you will see. Secluded beaches, some of the most scenic landscapes in the country, and now a great deal from Mantra PortSea, just a minute’s walk from Four Mile Beach in one direction and in the other, dining and shopping. The value plus offer is three nights in a hotel room from $384 per room per stay. It is valid through to April 30 2008. Conditions, minimum stays and block out period apply. Check it out by ringing 13 15 17.

The treasures of the Orient

With itineraries including return air from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, a taste of the Mediterranean in Asia is guaranteed. Cruise the gems of Asia aboard the luxury Italian liner Costa Allegra with cruising options scheduled from March to November. Packages are priced from $3089 from Perth and from $3259 (per person, twin share). All on board meals, entertainment, taxes and tips are included, along with the Costa’s renowned Italian flair. Telephone Creative Cruising on 1300 362 599.