Save and do a fly, cruise and stay

Week commencing September 7th 2009-09-06

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

It doesn't get much better

There are some terrific savings of up to 45% on leasing Peugeot vehicles in Europe, but the secret is to make your decisions before you leave Australia.  There's a  choice of  11 models available for 30 day leasing periods from $1647 for a 207 model diesel.  That deal alone includes 13 free days plus an extra three freebies if you happen to be a repeat customer.  The offers are available if booked by September 18 and can be collected any time until December 31 2009. Get the full details by contacting globalCARS on 1300 789 992.

Package with entry to theme parks

Booking a seven night family accommodation package, with some of the best theme parks included, is on offer on the Gold Coast.  Prices start from $4,700 per family ex Sydney (two adults two children), accommodation at the Mantra Bel Air, a two-day pass for Dreamworld and White Water World, a one-day pass to Seaworld, tickets for Q1 observation deck  and tickets to the Outback Spectacular.  Check with Ross and Turner Travel Associates for prices from other airports.  Telephone 1800 257 226.

Best wilderness reserve and wellness retreat

That's a statement which has the backing of a 2009 US Travel + Leisure readers' survey. The property in question is South Africa's Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat. The retreat covers 18,533 acres (7500 hectare) and is nestled at the foothills of the Cederberg mountains with breathtaking views, luxury accommodation, and less than three-hours drive from Cape Town.  For the experience of a lifetime, I suggest you get the facts by visiting www.bushmanskloof.com.za  

The Gong's vibrant beachside atmosphere

Spring is in the air, particularly when taking the Grand Pacific Drive at Wollongong.  Just off the beach is the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach with an overnight package for two adults and two children (under 16), full buffet breakfast, under cover parking, late checkout and a family pass to Jamberoo Action Park.

The latter is open weekends during September and then daily from October 3 to April 25 2010 (excluding Christmas Day).  There are other packages also on offer.  To get the details log onto www.visitwollongong.com.au  and also take a look at www.grandpacificdrive.com.au  

Save and do a fly, cruise and stay

There's a big saving of $2000 a couple on a 13-night package from Auckland to Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney aboard the mega-liner Diamond Princess in January of next year.  That saving is on offer with bookings through ecruising.travel   It includes one-way air travel from Sydney or Melbourne to Auckland, a night at the Stamford Plaza with breakfast, and twelve nights aboard the classy 116,000 tonne Diamond Princess.  Sailing date is ex Auckland January 16 2010.  The price now starts from just $1599 per person twin-share and I strongly suggest you check out what's on offer by calling 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel   Seeing is believing.  Save a berth for me.

I remember it well

Sure do!  My favourite group of South Pacific islands is most definitely  the New Hebrides,- oops sorry, that should read Vanuatu.  The US marines discovered it as they took on the battle of the South Pacific.  Now it's wide  open for those looking for adventure, romance and surprises. Through until March 31 2010 stay four nights on Bokissa Private Island Resort, just off Espiritu Santo, for an unbeatable all-inclusive package covering accommodation, meals and a slice of paradise. Pay from just $525 per couple per night.  Dive on the President Coolidge, take a James A Michener tour,.. and enjoy.  By the way children under twelve years,- not on this island thanks.   Some activities are additional. For all the details check out www.bokissa.com  

Or an Aussie island spree

There's a three-night escape on offer at Hamilton Island.  To be more correct,  on the northern most tip of the island, staying in one of the 60 hillside pavilions overlooking the magical Coral Sea. The offer, which includes accommodation in a Leeward Pavilion, 18 hopes of golf for one person with return launch transfers and use of a golf buggy.  

There's also breakfast, dinner and non-alcoholic beverages at The Long Pavilion and Pebble Beach, some VIP transfers and use of non motorised watercraft and other extras.  The offer is priced from $1793 per person.  Have I missed anything?  It is so easy to check, simply by logging onto www.hamiltonislandresort.com     The offer is for sale until 31 Marc h 2011 and for travel 1 April to 19 August 2010 and from 30 August to December 22 2010 and from 6 January to 31 March 2011. Conditions apply.


* 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.    Need a holiday ?  We're archived on  http://travellersgoodbuys.info