Ian McIntosh's Top 10 Travel Deals

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Issue 51: Saturday, 31 August 2019

Heading to London in October? Hidden London is an Exhibition that will take visitors on an immersive journey to some of London’s most secret spaces in the oldest subterranean railway in the world. These ‘forgotten’ parts of the ‘tube’ networks have incredible stories to tell about Britain’s wartime past – such as the Plessey aircraft underground factory that operated in two 2.5 mile-long tunnels of the Central line. Details,  https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on Japan has 600 ski resorts Love snow skiing and thinking about Japan? According to Qantas there are more than 600 ski resorts dotted around and the snow and annual falls at the most popular Japanese resorts average more than 10 metres.  The season runs from late December to mid April, but for the best powder head to the slopes in January. Where to go? While travel north takes additional time the slopes generally deliver the best quality powder. More details here  Resort a chocolate playground Love chocolate? From 22 – 25 October 2019 the exclusive Vakkaru Resort Maldives will transform into a chocolate playground. In charge will be Alistair Birt, Head Pastry Chef of Harrods London.  Forget about calories as Alistair whips up a series of experiences ranging from Bean-To-Bar Chocolate Masterclasses to a Chocolate Degustation and a chocolate ice cream pop-up parlour.  More detailshere Get paid while you stay Book a holiday in a private residence at Six Senses Fiji for six or more consecutive nights and receive FJ$500 resort credit to enjoy throughout your stay. Plus, you can indulge in activities on a complimentary basis, be it spa treatments, cooking classes or surfing trips. Based on Malolo Island in Fiji’s Mamanuca Group, Six Senses Fiji features 24 spacious private pool villas, plus nine residences. Have a look here Or, how about a taste of Ireland? Ireland is getting ready to showcase its world-class food scene this autumn in a major new event: Taste the Island, a celebration of Ireland's food and drink to be held from 6 September to 30 November. Highlights include a Harvest Moon Supper at Hook Lighthouse, a celebration of food and cider in the fruit-laden orchards of County Armagh and Wild Food Foraging experiences. Details here 2-for-1 France/Spain rail tickets Explore Paris, Barcelona, and more for less. For a limited time, two travel for the price of one with 1st class France-Spain High Speed train tickets. Book by September 10, 2019. Paris and Madrid are both on the network. Moreover, many important French and Spanish cities are also connected: Montpellier, Toulouse, Marseille, Lyon, Barcelona or Figueres. More details, Rail Europe. See here Flight credit for Seychelles cruise Luxury operator Ponant Cruises is offering a A$960 flight credit for its program to the Seychelles. Plunge into the jade waters of the Indian Ocean to discover the rich and astonishing sea-life, sheltered by the coral reefs resplendent in their shimmering colours. While on board one of the new Explorer ships, you can observe this tropical wonderland below the waterline from the one of a kind - Blue Eye Lounge. Have a look here Latest airline deals About to book your flights to Europe? Qatar Airways is on sale - to over 160 places around the world. Fly to Spain return for instance from $1209. This is the World's Best Airline, as voted by the 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards. If you want to spoil yourself experience a new standard of Business Class in your very own personal suite. Book by 5 September 2019 for travel from 1 September 2019 - 15 August 2020. Singapore Airlines also has deals going along with MAS. Details here Jetset Spring sale ends soon On the local scene. Jetstar has a Spring Sale in full bloom until September 3  – but you always have to be aware of all of the added costs this carrier specialises in. Adelaide to Denpasar one way is from $179 – coming back is usually the problem. Adelaide to Honolulu from $267 and Adelaide to Phuket from $287. You will have to travel on specific dates. For the full list from your city see here Top spot to see the Aurora Want to knock northern lights viewing off your bucket list? Fairbanks Alaska is one of the best places on earth to do just that. Fairbanks' renowned aurora viewing lures people from all over the world during the Aurora Season from August 21 to April 21. The community's location is ideal for northern lights viewing because it is directly under the “Auroral Oval” – a ring-shaped zone over the far north where aurora activity is concentrated. Details,https://www.explorefairbanks.com

Four things for Sydney Thrillseekers

Whether it is an adrenaline packed adventure you are looking for or a family fun day out, whatever you are seeking, there is plenty of choice available for the thrill seeker. From the exhilaration of a giant water slide to soaring through the air with indoor skydiving, you are guaranteed to experience an adrenalin rush with these terrific adventure packed ideas within easy reach of PARKROYAL Parramatta.

1. Wet'n'Wild

Address: 427 Reservoir Road, Sydney

Phone Number: 13 33 86

Opening Hours: Season is September to April, weekends, school holiday, and selected weekdays.

Wet’n’Wild Sydney is ‘the’ place to be when the summer haze descends. When you need to cool off or are looking for something a little adventurous, a 20 minute drive to Wet’n’Wild will fit the bill. With 42 water slides and 3 pools, you will definitely find something that suits your style. The Wave Pool and Surf Deck can provide a challenge, along with the thrill of free fall in the Sky Coaster. The ease of access and array of activities make this an easy summer playground to escape the heat.

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2. TreeTop Adventure Park

Address: Western Sydney Parklands, Elizabeth Drive, Abbotsbury

Phone Number: +61 2 8605 4300

Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday 10am-4pm

Saturday – Sunday 9am-4.30pm

(Closed Christmas Day)

If challenging yourself is what you are after, the TreeTop Adventure Park is perfect for you. A quick 30 minute drive enables you to explore the self-guided rope courses amongst the trees and see how much you can accomplish. Over 100 tunnels, nets, bridges and zip lines are waiting to be conquered. No special skills are required, just the desire to have a lot of fun! If you really want to try something special, give the Night Climbs a go. You won’t regret it.

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3. IFly

Address: 123 Mulgoa Road Penrith, Sydney NSW 2750

Phone Number:1300 366 364

Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday 9am-10pm

Saturday – Sunday 7am-10pm

Wow, what an experience, this is so much fun. No parachute, no jumping out of planes, you simply lean forward inside the giant glass tunnel into a column of air and float effortlessly. The qualified instructors are patient and knowledgeable and make sure you have the best experience. For those not flying there is a glass viewing areas so they can enjoy the fun as well. This is perfect for the whole family and any age group and because it is indoors you can enjoy it in all weather conditions. Well worth the 30 minute drive.

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4. Rosehill Gardens Racecourse

Address: James Ruse Drive, Rosehill

Phone Number: +61 2 9930 4070

Opening Hours: Every weekend

Home of the Golden Slipper, Rosehill Racecourse is one of the finest racecourses in the country. Put on your best and experience the thrill as your chosen horse thunders down the straight to claim victory. It’s easy to feel special surrounded by lush gardens with a glass of champagne in hand. An easy 8 minute drive, or 25 min walk, will have you entering the immaculate grounds, setting the perfect backdrop to a day of extravagance. Even if betting is not for you, the experience is one not to be missed.

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