TRAVEL BRIEFS
By John Crook
A wild food fight
Spain’s township of Bunol runs red with rivers of tomato juice, on the last Wednesday in August, when 20,000 revellers pelt big squashy tomatoes at each other. There’s an eight-day tour which includes the tomato fights, along with Barcelona and Valencia. The tour departs Barcelona August 22, 2009, with prices starting from $1,069 per person, twin share plus a local payment if EUR250. That includes seven nights accommodation, La Tomatina festival, two days bus tour of Barcelona, tour leader and local guides. Airfares not included. Ring 131 600 for more details.
Post cruise night
The 20-night cruise from Sydney to Bangkok aboard the luxury mega-liner Diamond Princess includes calls by way of five Australian ports. Departure is February 22 2009 with a post cruise night at the Banyan Tree Bangkok, visiting Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Fremantle, Exmouth, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Sihanoukville. Time also to make use of the wonderful facilities aboard the ocean liner. Prices start from $2899 per person, twin share and that is a saving of $3400 a couple over normal prices. For all the details check www.ecruising.travel or call 1300 369 848.
Gold Coast escape
The new year starts with a real bang, staying at Mantra Coolangatta Beach, where four nights comes at the price of three. Valid for sale up to February 15 and for travel until 31 March 2009, you pay from $170 per room/night. The Gold Coast is affordable,.. oh, and totally enjoyable. Get the facts by calling 13 15 17, or visit www.mantra.com.au
Zurich Break, stay three pay for two
The longer the stay in Zurich, the richer the wealth of unforgettable experiences.
With the ZurichBREAK special offer, selected hotels, situated in a variety of locations from city centre to lakeside, invite guests to stay with the third night free of charge. Contact hotel@zuerich.com and register your interest and request rates and conditions.
Ski New Zealand cheaper
Specialist ski and snowboard operator, Skimax, has just released its latest brochure which includes value-for-money NZ options featuring well priced accommodation deals. For example seven nights quad share with two bedroom accommodation at The Hermitage Queenstown, a five-day Maxpass and seven-day executive sedan car rental. The price is from $929. Book and pay by April 30 2009 for travel between June 15 and October 15 2009. The Skimax national reservation number is 1300 136 997 (ex-Sydney metro), or (02) 9267 1655 or target www.skimax.com.au
Savings on European car rentals
One good thing about the crash is that there are considerable savings all around, including discounts of up to $700 for European car leasing contracts of 17-days or longer. This applies to bookings made with globalCARS with vehicle collection before March 31 2009. Conditions apply, so best thing is to get the details from www.globalCARS.com.au Or telephone 1300 789 992.
Port Macquarie alert
Stay two-nights at The Observatory and the kids play free. Exhaust the kids at no cost and Mum and dad get to lap up the luxury at this award-winning hotel, with accommodation in a two-bedroom ocean view apartment and receive a complimentary family pass to Timbertown heritage theme park, plus free Nintendo game hire, DVD rental and activity packs. The two-night stay package costs $438. Subject to availability in January and February. To book, telephone 1300 303 155, or on line at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au quoting ‘Kids Play Free Package’.
* Please note conditions may apply to these packages and prices are subject to change and availability. This information is provided as a guide only. Check with your travel agency. Block out periods may apply.
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Visual : Diamond Princess
