A free Citroen lease – but read on

TRAVEL TIPS

by John Crook

'Fall'  in love

Canada and New England will be at their best come the northern hemisphere's Autumn season and by joining a seven-night cruise aboard Carnival Triumph you will be part of the experience. New York, Boston, Portland, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are included in the itinerary.  Departures are during September and October of next year, with the price from $1051 per person, twin share for an inside stateroom.  Tours, taxes, fuel supplement and gratuities are additional. To get more information visit www.traveltheworld.com.au or telephone 1300 766 566.

Christmas carols

A Christmas celebration is scheduled for the Domain in Sydney,- Saturday December 20.  The Citigate Sebel Townhouse has a carols special with rooms available from $194 per night twin share. That includes a superior breakfast package and stylish accommodation. Exercise the tonsils and prepare for a night of singing.  Log onto www.flightcentrehotels.com or call 1800 421 800.

Four nights and five stars

A full buffet breakfast each morning is part of the extraordinary land-only package price for guests staying at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa.  Pay from $649 per person twin share for four nights.  The package is valid from 7 January to 31 March 2009. For all the details call Qantas Holidays on  13 14 15 and for more info on the hotel take a look at www.sofitel.com.fj

Kids travel for $1

When the whole family travels by train to any of CountryLink's 360 destinations in New South Wales, up to four kids get to travel for just $1 each.  Travel must be from now through to 28 February 2009 and of course conditions apply.  To be sure of the facts call 13 RAIL (13 7245).  For instance fares are not available to adults in possession of a concession card, pensioner travel voucher, nor a family group travelling on rail employee passes.  Still sounds pretty good to me.

A free Citroen lease – but read on

A free 24-day lease on a brand new Citroen is included in a $2499 'earlybird' return flight to France, flying with Swiss International Airlines, if purchased before January 31, 2009.    Travel may be from any mainland capital in Australia, to France, Nice or Geneva and can be made at any time of the year.  The offer, excluding taxes, is available based  on two people travelling together.  Get the facts by visiting www.globaleuropeantravel.com.au

Well and truly 

Off the beaten track are two unique tours for the adventurous.  Twenty-four days exploring Turkey and the independent state of Kurdistan in Northern Iraq in April.  There's another, 21-days through Lebanon, Syria and Turkey, with an inclusion of the Baalbeck festival – dance, theatre, opera and jazz and the 2009 tour also includes an Australian Ballet performance.  Itineraries, details and inclusions are available by calling 1800 083 141 or visiting www.farhorizons.com.au

There are sharks in Sydney

Get to be perilously close to the man eaters of the ocean,.. and then (carefully) feed them.  The  feeding frenzy costs $25 and that includes a seat aboard a glass-bottom boat in the Sydney Aquarium.  The menu includes large squid and a variety of fish, .. but first, visit www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

* 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

Visual : An earlybird deal from Citroen.

First hand experience at sea

TRAVEL BRIEFS

By John Crook

Big Fella Festival

New Years day and night should have a listing in your diary, for that's when the party starts at Falls Creek Alpine Resort.  Jazz from Liz Cavanagh and her regular support muso's, just one of the headline acts at the inaugural festival.  Check this out! Three nights lodge accommodation, continental breakfasts, Big Fella event pass for two, with a tariff from $207 per person based on double occupancy.  It's valid Dec 31 2008 – January 2 2009.  To book call 1800 033 079 or email fallscreekinfo@bigpond.com  

Free nights and all your food

Enjoy bonus free nights in Fiji, where TravelOnline is offering special rates at Shangri-La Resort and Spa.  Departures ex Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne with land only content priced from $1158 per person twin share.  Check with www.tourismfiji.com for more information and bookings.  The package is for six nights (but pay for the price of only four) and note that all meals are taken care of with some other extras included.  The offer is valid for sale until 31 March 2009 and for travel to 25 December 2008 and from 11 January to 31 March 2009.  

Luxury stone cottages

Never before have I experienced such high quality in a B&B, one which has been created out of stones from the property.  When Liz and Kyle started building their stone cottages, there was a degree of doubt, almost ridicule, amongst locals.  That has all changed.  Their group of cottages are in the upper luxury area.  Everview is  located near Canowindra (NSW) and currently there's a 2-night accommodation package, with a complimentary bottle of wine, an upgrade to a gourmet breakfast and a late  check-out.   Tariff is $460 and valid Monday to Thursday.   Check www.everview.com.au 

Five star dining aboard

With 55 staterooms and 95 crew no wonder that SeaDream I  and II continue to win awards, the latest being named the world's best five-star vessels,- thanks to Berlitz Guide to Cruise Ships and Cruising magazine.  Check the prices at www.seadream.com, but remember the prices are inclusive of all 5-star dining, drinks from the open bars and wine with all meals, nightly cocktail parties, use of the 50-course golf simulator, gratuities and port charges and taxes.    Just a slice of paradise at sea. 

Billy has arrived

The Melbourne season of Billy Elliott will break all records.  That's my opinion and is judged on the many reports I receive from friends who have caught the production.  It plays Her Majesty's Theatre from December 13.  Mantra Southbank has an offer worth pursuing.  If my eyes are not deceiving me one package in particular is priced from $175 per room per night including show tickets, boxed continental breakfast for two, one pre-show drink per person in Up One Bar and a late checkout.  There are more competitive packages at other Mantra properties in Melbourne.  Call 1300 780 13 15 17.  Conditions and some surcharges apply. 

First hand experience at sea

In what I would regard as a super deal, I note we Aussies can now experience Queen Mary 2's features in a 15 nights cruise ex Los Angeles to Sydney departing February 10 2009.  The price is from $2599 per person twin share . That is value!   Air fares not included.   Ring 13 24 41 or visit www.cunardline.com.au  
 

* 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

Kids Ski Free

TRAVEL BRIEFS

By John Crook


Red hot deal for Norfolk

Norfolk Island is so affordable, a claim which is supported by the following package. Eight days for a family of four for less than $3000. Return airfares and taxes for two adults and two children, transfers to Hibiscus Aloha self-contained apartments, car hire (extra) a half day discovery tour, free afternoon tea in The Wild Rainforest Walk and a $100 family voucher at the Bounty Centre toy shop. The family of four package costs $2799 ex Brisbane, Sydney and Newcastle, $2998 from Melbourne. The deal is valid between now and January 31 2009. To book freecall 1800 140 066 or email lee@travelcentre.nf.

Ethiopia – a thought?

It's culturally rich, challenging and confronting, but a real inspiration. Check out the Ethiopian Discovery tour which starts and finishes in Addis Ababa. Touring is by 4WD Landcruiser, and the itinerary includes visits to colourful markets. There's a chance to watch primitive cattle herders in action and you will also do a dug-out canoe trip on the Omo River. The tour is priced from $1509, plus there is a local payment of US$250. This ain't Paris or London, - this is how the other half lives. Departure dates throughout 2009. Book through STA Travel. Telephone 134 782 and try something really different. www.statravel.com.au

The Crystal Symphony awaits

A 32-day trip from Los Angeles to Beijing is the big cruise for 2009. It all happens aboard six-star ship, setting sail from LA March 9 2009 en route to Honolulu, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Japan and then Beijing. The tour is priced from $17,055 per person twin share. That includes all taxes, charges and pre-paid gratuities. International air fares not included. There's also a post cruise-land package in a plush Beijing Hotel. The package is from Cruiseabout. Check with your travel agent.

Zuji beans

Zuji is a major on-line booking site for air travel, accommodation and touring. A recent promotion concluded after 6 months. It was focused on helping holidays happen, using the sale of baked beans to help intending travellers save money to purchase discounted holidays. They say, - eat baked beans and help reduce the grocery bill. That is the main thrust of their campaign, resulting in a number of prizes being awarded. Lifeline also was a beneficiary, with the winner of a year's supply oif Zuji beans donating 365 cans. Anthony Richards kindly donated his prize to Lifeline. The beans have gone, but the holiday discounts are still available. Everybody's a winner with www.juji.com.au

Six nights in Austria

Depart with Emirates, destination Austria. Contact your local travel agent to see whether you are eligible for the Austrian package,- six nights from $2812 per person twin share. That price, based on Emirates low season, includes return airfares to Vienna, two nights in Salzburg, two nights in Vienna and two nights in Innsbruck. Plus a three day rail pass. Also, for all the details and conditions take a look at www.exploreholidays.com.au

Kids ski free

The popular Canadian winter playgrounds offer the 'kids ski free' program, meaning that children 12 years old and under, ski free. Valid between January 4 and 29. At Ski Whistler, pay from $4,199 for seven-nights for a two-bedroom apartment at Town Plaza. That covers two adults and two children, with a six-day lift pass for two adults. For details check www.skimax.com.au


* Please note conditions may apply to these packages and prices are subject to change and availability. The information is provided as a guide only. Check with your travel agent.

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

Visual : There is a better way to view the winter playgrounds of Canada !

Fancy dinner at the Gol Gol ?

TRAVEL BRIEFS

By John Crook

Fancy dinner at the Gol Gol ?

A family package, for two adults and two children under 12 years of age, offers four nights on board a deluxe 6-10 berth houseboat, from $1500. Included in this Mildura based deal is a dinner at the Gol Gol hotel, gourmet BBQ and full breakfast provisions, a bottle of local wine, fishing gear and tinnie with oars and sporting equipment. Packages of up to the super luxury style are also available. Chris and Marina Durban look forward to welcoming you aboard their multi-award winning houseboats. Check the facts. Telephone (03) 5024 7770, click on to www.willandrahouseboats.com.au

Paris special package

A deal which combines France rail pass and two nights in the three-star Hotel Marena in Paris is on sale until November 27 2008 and available for travel between April and September 2009. You may not believe the price, which is $482 per person twin share, - and there's more. Accommodation, continental breakfasts and three days first class travel within one month. Airfares not included. Don't just pinch yourself, but be quick about it and check www.railplus.com.au


Pampering by experts

There's a whole series of pampering packages on offer at the Milawa resort property, LindenWarrah, ranging from getaways with the girls, to romance for two. For the girls, accommodation in a twin room, with the package including a two-course dinner in Restaurant Merlot, a fully cooked buffet breakfast , a one-hour massage or complete facial. The price is $279.00 per person, twin share. Valid until the end of February 2009. Telephone (03) 5720 5777 or email info@lindenwarrah.com.au

Christmas market

Germany prepares for the Christmas markets, with many now operating through until Christmas. Just to the north of Frankfurt is the historical rural Christmas market.

It's Hessenpark where visitors, on December 13 and 14, get to experience a festive event from a bygone era. This is just one of many open-air museums which stage Christmas festivities. For more information on the markets go to www.germany-tourism.de

Holiday playground and millions

Thunder down under 1-19 January 2009, when the Magic Millions takes over the Gold Coast. First up organise your accommodation. Here's an option! Base yourself at BreakFree Equinox Resort apartments during the big event from $143 per room per night. Or, BreakFree Surfers Paradise and pay from $125 per room per night, based on three night stays. Check the details by ringing 132 007 or hop on to www.breakfree.com.au


Return the car and benefit

I am most impressed with the deal offered through Europcar. They offer up to 48 hours of free passenger car hire rented and returned to selected locations. For instance pick up the car in Wellington and return to Auckland and gain 48 hours free hire and 750 km free travel. Valid from December 1 2008 until March 30 2009. Log onto www.europcar.com.au or call 1300 13 13 90.

Tour Borneo in 2009

A 15-day inclusive tour departs 6 September 2009, travelling via Kuala Lumpur to Kuching. Then discover the highlights of Sarawak and Sabah,- truly fascinating destinations. Adventurers, explorers and naturalists have targeted the world's undiscovered frontiers. Now, it's your turn. Prices, ex Sydney/Brisbane/Melbourne, start from $5,380 per person, twin share. Five star hotels and most meals are included. You will need to make an early booking for this one. Contact Adventure Associates on 1800 222 141 for more information.

* Please note conditions may apply to these packages and prices are subject to change and availability. Block out periods may apply. Need a holiday ? We're archived on http://travellersgoodbuys.info

Movies under the stars

Travel Briefs/Tips – for w/c November 10

TRAVEL BRIEFS

By John Crook


Royal palaces and all that

Take on the back roads of the UK and Europe travelling with a like minded group numbering from just two to 16. You may care to take in Harry Potter country or the battlefields of  the Anzacs.  For instance there's a six day/five night tour of the palaces and chateaux pf the Loire, priced from $2399 per person.  Check the conditions and the itinerary with your local travel agent. Just ask for details of Explore Holidays personalised tours, on offer including a 10% launch discount.

Luxury in the wild

Check the latest information on &BEYOND 's new luxury lodges in northern Kenya and southern Tanzania or the other 44 lodges and camps scattered through South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and India.   This company offers the wilderness under the banner of luxury adventure. To get the full picture have a look at www.andbeyond.com  

A real saving

The deal is for you to book an economy car for a minimum of three days and pay just $29 per day, or a compact car for three days and pay $33 per day.  The offer is from Europcar and applies to locations in Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT, Brisbane, God Coast and Sunshine Coast.  The offer is valid for sale through December 15 2008.

Check on the other deals currently on offer by logging on to www.europcar.com.au or telephone 1300 13 13 90.

Sydney Opera House views

Family rooms from $79 per night  offer the ideal answer to those who are looking for a decent deal in Sydney,- million dollar views at that!    Formulae 1 is located in William Street, and that's just a short walk to the city centre.   Family rooms feature a double bed, plus two bunks, a private ensuite bathroom, air conditioning and a TV.

To book have a look at www.formule1.com.au or ring (02) 9326 0300.

Cruise deal

There's a six-day cruise from Istanbul to Athens vis the Greek Islands,  priced from $1886 per person. New bookings paid in full by May 31 2009 and the price is from $1697. Included is accommodation in cabins with private facilities, air conditioning, all-on-board meals and most on board entertainment.  Ports visited include Mykonos, Patmos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Ag Nikolaos and Santorini.  The agents on 1300 558 987 or Google www.tempoholidays.com.
A bush Christmas

During the Christmas holiday period, December 1 2008 to January 31 2009. book the family into Peppers Hidden Vale (the home of the original James Bond).  Accommodation in a three bedroom cottage, continental breakfasts and free activities including mountain bikes,  tennis courts, use of heated pool, animal nursery and a golf driving range.  The available rates are from $350 per family, per night.  Other rates for singles or doubles are also available.  Contact 1300 881 435 or email retreat@hiddenvalelodge.com.au    

Save money at Kingscliff

It's possible to save $90 a night when booked into Mantra on Salt Beach at Kingscliff.   Try this one for size.  At the four and a half star property standard hotel rooms are available from $87 per night per person, based on two adults twin-share.   Valid for travel until November 30 2008.  Full breakfast is included for two.  To check on this offer log onto www.quickbeds.com or telephone 1800 421 800.

Movies under the stars

Commending mid year 2009 Dawn Princess will introduce  its outdoor cinema.  The following year Sun Princess follows suit.  So take to a deck chair, or view from the pool.  US based Princess vessels have had such delights since 2004. Now, it's our turn. Join Dawn Princess and its 13 night cruise to Fiji departing Sydney June 22 2009 with fares from $2106 per person twin share, and your date with the open air theatre is confirmed.  Ring 13 24 88 and get the facts.

* Please note conditions may apply to these packages  and prices are subject to change and availability.  Block out periods may apply.    Need a holiday ?  We're archived on  http://travellersgoodbuys.info