Travellers' Good Buys

TRAVELLERS GOOD BUYS – TRAVEL BRIEFS

By John Crook

A romance package.

Enjoy Moet Chandon champagne and decadent chocolates on arrival at Sofitel’s Werribee Mansion. The deal includes breakfast for two at Joseph’s Restaurant and entry to the historic mansion and the sculptured gardens. The tariff is from $418 per room night. For reservations, telephone (03) 9731 4000.

A real escape.

Start planning right now for an escape to Thailand. Escape Travel offers two nights accommodation in Bangkok and three nights in Phuket. Priced from $1099 per person, twin share, and yes, the return airfare is also included. By the way Thai International now has a triple daily service ex Sydney, double daily from Melbourne and one daily ex Brisbane. For reservations contact 1300 556 855 or check the website www.escapetravel.com.au

Sunshine Coast special

Book before May 31 2008, travel until June 20 2008 and pay from $169 per apartment per night and lap up all that Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has to offer. The deal is based on a minimum stay of two nights. The stylish Mantra Sand Dunes at Marcoola offers a rejuvenating package of sun, surf and sand. To check on the weather and the offer, call 13 15 17, or visit www.mantra.com.au

Bike and boat cruises.

A mix of moderate cycling and river cruising opens the window to Canadian heritage cities and beautiful villages. The price is from AUD$2090 per person twin share. That includes eight days, seven nights touring for their Quebec, Montreal and St Lawrence River tour, with all meals (picnic lunches), cabin accommodation, experienced tour guide and bike hire included. Outdoor Travel packages are mostly for over 45’s. To check on inclusions email info@outdoortravel.com.au or call toll free 1800 331 582.

Hunter Valley calls.

The Branxton Hotel in the Hunter Valley is a boutique heritage-listed property with 100 years of history, offering ‘you-beaut’ deals with midweek rooms from $85. Or if you should elect to sample the comforts of the King Richard room with a private ensuite, you pay from $155 per night, midweek. Conditions apply. For bookings and further information go to www.roamfree.com

Win a refrigerator.

One of the prizes on offer from Europcar is a 240 litre fridge, just one of a range of goodies including LCD screens, ocean scooters, through to a free Virgin Blue airfare. Check out the prize list before renting your next car, book your Europe rental car at any one of the 200 locations in Australia/New Zealand and then peel back the lucky door sticker on the driver’s side door. You could be lucky.

Alaska calls

More Aussies are exploring the wilderness . Princess Cruises has just released its latest Alaskan program with cruises priced from $969 per person and that’s for a seven-night cruise through the Inside Passage. In 2009 you will have more than 5000 balcony cabins on offer. Check the full program by calling 13 24 88 or visit www.dawnsunprincess.com.au

Conditions and price fluctuations apply with each of the above packages.