Fwd: This Week's Top 20 Travel Deals

Travelzoo Australia Weekly Top 20 Every week we search more than 1,000 companies worldwide for their very best deals and compile this Top 20™ list. Thank you for subscribing. Please forward this to a friend! ************************************************************ TOP 20 DEALS * -- 11 December 2013 ************************************************************ $145 -- Historic Sydney Hotel for up to 4, Save 33% http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1636944 Source: The Menzies Sydney $119 -- Brisbane Studio Apartment w/Parking & Late Checkout http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1638999 Source: Punthill Brisbane $5302 & up -- Fly Business Class to Paris with Air France http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639953 Source: Air France $1299 -- LA & San Fran 2-Nt Packages inc Flights, $669 Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639000 Source: My California $1399 -- 7-Nt Radisson Fiji Holiday inc Flights & Extras http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639028 Source: Spacifica Travel $539 -- 2-Day Halong Bay Cruise Pkg for 2 w/Extras, 35% Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639909 Source: Emeraude Classic Cruises $50 & up -- One Way Earlybird Flights across Australia http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639959 Source: Tigerair Australia $479 -- Siem Reap: Luxe Park Hyatt Break w/Extras, Reg. $914 http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639948 Source: Park Hyatt Siem Reap $119 -- 4-Star Canberra Hotel Stay w/Breakfast, 54% Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1636776 Source: Mercure Canberra $9499 -- 16-Day Antarctica Expedition inc Flights & More http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639888 Source: Adventure Destinations $419 -- Hunter Valley Short Break for 2, Save 37% http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639875 Source: Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks Hotels and Resorts $1096 & up -- Non-Stop Flights to India in 2014 http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639936 Source: Air India $592 -- 3-Night Kangaroo Island Stay for 2, 33% Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639908 Source: Wanderers Rest $160 -- Dublin: 4-Star City Centre Hotel w/Meals, Save 46% http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639859 Source: Ashling Hotel Dublin $330 -- For 2: Margaret River Cottages, 1 Night Free http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639927 Source: Peppermint Brook Cottages $545 -- 2-Nt Luxury Eco Lodge Stay in New Zealand, $137 Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639807 Source: Rimu Lodge $9 -- Central Coast: Half Price Dive Permit http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639943 Source: Visit NSW $179 -- Central Budapest: 2-Night Stay w/Breakfast, Save 50% http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639018 Source: Mirage Fashion Hotel $99 -- Peter Doyle @ The Quay: 3-Course Dining w/French Wine http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639891 Source: Peter Doyle @ The Quay $2925 -- 8-Day 'Blue Danube' River Cruise, $570 Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1639940 Source: Global Journeys

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"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Life is an Adventure'
Life is an Adventure on IBS

Whats on in Sydney - November 2013.

Mind Body & Spirit Festival

Dates: 31 Oct - 3 November Time: 10am – 7pm

Where: Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre

It’s a fantastic fun day out, filled with new experiences, entertainment, learning and expert advice.
At the MindBodySpirit Festival, you can learn to conquer stress in minutes, discover the latest herbal supplements, or realise your psychic powers. Perhaps you'd like to know how to find your soul mate, enjoy the mysteries of tantric relationships, find that highly prized work-life balance, or balance your chakra.
There is something for everyone searching for a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.

For more details go to: http://www.mbsfestival.com.au/index.htm

Festival of Fishers Ghost

Dates: Nov 1-10

Where: Campbelltown

The legendary Festival of Fisher's Ghost will be back again in November (though really, who doubted it would, since it's been running every year since 1956), as Campbelltown celebrates Australia's most famous ghost, Frederick Fisher (you can find out more about the legend here).

For more details go to: www.fishersghost.com.au

Newtown Festival 2013

Date: 10 November Time: 9.30am to 5.30pm

Where: Camperdown Rest Memorial park

Celebrating and supporting vitality, originality, sustainability and a lively community, the Newtown Festival just keeps getting bigger and better with more arts, more music and more community. This flagship event in Sydney turns 35 this year.

For more details go to: www.newtowncentre.org/festival/index.html

Sydney Motorcycle & Scooter Show 2013

Date: 15-17 Nov

Where: Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre

For more details go to: www.australianmotorcycleexpo.com.au

Whats happening in Sydney in October

Sydney Fringe
 
When: 6th to 29th September
Over 300 shows. The 4th annual festival promises to be one huge month long celebration of art, music and sound, dance, poetry, film, food and wine.
For more details visit: http://www.sydneyfringe.com

Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival
 
Date: 28 September Venue: Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre, Binne Creek Road, Cowra
Cost: $15 for adult, $9 children and $40 for a family pass
In its 24th year, the Cherry Blossom Festival features not only cherry blossom, but a Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese music and traditional dancing, Japanese flower arranging, kite flying, martial arts and Sumo wrestling displays, Kimono displays and other examples of Japanese heritage.
For more information visit: www.cowragarden.com.au

Festival Indonesia 2013
 
Date: 28 September Venue: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Time: 10am – 6.00pm
During this time, you will find the park full of food stalls, live music, cultural dances and performances, competitions, workshops, information stalls and much more. For more information visit http://festivalindonesiasydney.com.au/

NSW Rural Fire Brigade Open Day
 
Date: 28 September Cost: FREE
This is your chance to say thanks to RFS Volunteers.The Rural Fire Brigade are opening their doors for a sneak peek behind the scenes of the wonderful continuous silent and heroic work they contribute to the community.
For more information click here

Sydney Opera House 40th Birthday Celebrations
 
Dates: Oct 1st – 31st Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: Some events free, some ticketed
The iconic Sydney Opera House is celebrating its 40th anniversary on October 20th this year and to mark the occasion there is a whole host of festivities on show to please all ages. The Opera House will be staging a series of inviting events with many open to the public. Here are some of the highlights.
For more information go to: 40.sydneyoperahouse.com

Lebanon Carnival 2013
 
Date: 6 October 2013 Venue: Harbourside AMphitheatre, Darling Harbour
Time: 11am – 5.00pm FREE
Performances from belly dancers, Lebanese folk dancers, singers and many others. There will also be arts, crafts and music, and you will find it all at the Harbourside Amphitheatre (which is located right next to Harbourside Shopping Centre).

Brookvale Show
 
Date: Saturday 19 October Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm
A variety of carnival rides will be available, as well as BMX demonstrations and horse jumping events. Wood chopping will also be a family friendly feature at this event, kind of like the Easter Show coming early. For more details click here

Warragamba Dam Fest
 
Date: 20th October Venue: Warragamba Recreation Reserve Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: $20
Why not bring the whole family along for a wonderful day out. Features include displays of cars and bikes, stunt bike riding displays, market stalls, amusement rides, animal farm and then of course Warragamba Dam itself including the amazing interactive display in the Visitors Centre.
For more details click here

Fwd: This Week's Top 20 Travel Deals

Interesting Ideas for travel

Travelzoo Australia Weekly Top 20

Every week we search more than 1,000 companies worldwide for their very best deals and compile this Top 20™ list. Thank you for subscribing. Please forward this to a friend! ************************************************************ TOP 20 DEALS * -- 28 August 2013 ************************************************************ $199 -- Mornington Peninsula: Luxe Peppers Stay w/Upgrade http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556220 Source: Peppers Moonah Links Resort $149 -- 24-Hour Sale: Singapore Flights from 2 Cities http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556240 Source: Scoot Airlines $178-$230 -- Luxury Sydney 'Top 10' Hotel Stay, 30% Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556239 Source: Radisson Blu Hotel Sydney $209 -- Melbourne Luxe Hotel w/Upgrade & Late Checkout http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1555219 Source: HotelClub $1640 -- 7 Nts on Heron Island w/Flights & All Meals http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556177 Source: My QLD Holiday $139 -- 5-Star Gold Coast Casino Hotel Stay, Save 50% http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556202 Source: Jupiters Hotel & Casino Gold Coast $999 -- 6-Nt Cairns & Green Island Break w/Reef Tours http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556277 Source: Travstar.com $445 -- 3 Nts: 5-Star Koh Samui Break w/Extras, 40% Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556247 Source: Melati Beach Resort & Spa $699 -- 6-Nt Vietnam & Cambodia Tour, Save 30% http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556272 Source: Mandarin World Tours $1175 -- 7-Nt Luxury Fiji Getaway; Flight-Inclusive http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556249 Source: Travel Online $869 -- Vietnam 3-Nt Pool Villa Stay for 2, Reg. $1499 http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556230 Source: Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang $220 -- 2-Nt NSW North Coast Break for 2 w/Wine, 51% Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556227 Source: Tea Gardens Club Inn Motel $749 -- Thredbo 365-Day Ski & Summer Pass, Save 43% http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556280 Source: Thredbo $95 -- Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel w/Upgrade, Reg. $179 http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556232 Source: Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit $763 & up -- Fly to South Korea via Vietnam & Save $500+ http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556259 Source: Vietnam Airlines $182 & up -- New York Hotel near Times Square, Reg. $420 http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556293 Source: YOTEL New York $953 -- NZ: Franz Josef Glacier 2-Nt Stay w/5-Course Dinner http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556307 Source: Te Waonui Forest Retreat $615 -- SA: 4-Night Clare Valley Retreat, Save $205 http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556296 Source: St Helen's Country Cottages $600 -- 2-Day Intensive Golf School at PGA Course, Reg $1200 http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556248 Source: Australian Golf School $198 -- 3-Nt Hobart Holiday Park Stay, 33% Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1556255 Source: Discovery Holiday Parks Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: http://twitter.com/TravelzooAus http://www.facebook.com/TravelzooAU Publisher: Allison Wallace

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"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Life is an Adventure'
Life is an Adventure on IBS

The Importance of Comparing Airfares

Do you need to book a flight?  

If you are looking to take a vacation,  you will find an unlimited number of options.  There are thousands of airports around the world, as well as multiple airlines that service those airports.  With these different options, you are encouraged to compare prices before making any official reservations.

By comparing, you will get more travel options.  When comparing flights and airlines, in general, you are likely to come across flights that you may not have otherwise seen or known about.  In addition to getting a better deal, you may also find flights available with a different airline that has more convenient times.

Another reason to compare prices when buying airline tickets is because you can save money.  What many people, especially first time travelers, do not take into consideration is price differences.  Although you will find some similarities, different airlines charge different fees.  

When you spend less money on your travel arrangements, such as your airline tickets, you have more money that you can put towards your vacation.  Depending on the amount of money that you are able to save, you can enjoy a nice meal, add an extra activity to your to do list, upgrade your overnight accommodations, and much more.  

One of your first stops should be online travel websites.  Online travel websites are nice because they let you compare flights from different airlines, all at the same time.  A good benefit of using online travel websites to compare airfare rates is you can pay for your tickets through them as well.

You may also want to visit the online websites of airline companies.  If you have to fly out of a specific area, like Albany, you will want to visit the online websites of airlines that you know fly in and out of that airport.  This process of comparing prices will take a little bit longer than using online travel websites, but many take comfort in knowing that they are doing business directly with the airline company.

Happy Flying...

Fancy a Cruise ?

 This website Cruiseabout has heaps of great deals and ideas. There are a number of information sessions being conducted around Victoria in the next few months.

 I thought it was a site worthy of sharing..

Local Cruiseabout Events

Learn More about Ocean and River Cruising Join Cruiseabout Williamstown (VIC) for a free, exclusive information session on cruising, including river and ocean cruising worldwide. Receive great advice from our cruising specialists and have access to Cruiseabout only deals available on the day. Light refreshments will be served. Hurry, seats are limited. DATE: Monday, 29 April 2013 TIME: 10.30am VENUE: Club House at Point Cook Village, 320 Point Cook Rd, Point Cook RSVP: Call the Cruiseabout Williamstown team on 1300 610 073 by 26 April _______________________________________________________________

Free Holland America Line Information Session Join Cruiseabout Geelong (VIC) and Holland America Line to learn more about Australasian, South Pacific and New Zealand Cruising. Receive great advice from our cruising specialists and guest speakers, and have access to exclusive Cruiseabout deals only available on the night. Light refreshments will be served. Hurry, register your interest today, spots are limited. DATE: Wednesday, 15 May 2013 TIME: 6:00pm for 6:30pm start VENUE: Cruiseabout Geelong 182 High St, Belmont RSVP: Call the Cruiseabout Geelong team on 1300 092 305 by Monday 13 May _______________________________________________________________

Royal Caribbean International Information Morning Join Cruiseabout Williamstown (VIC) and Royal Caribbean International for a free information session on ocean cruising worldwide. Receive great advice from our cruising specialists and have access to Cruiseabout only deals available on the day. Light refreshments will be served. DATE: Wednesday, 15 May 2013 TIME: 10.30am VENUE: The Village, 1 - 49 Paas Place, Williamstown RSVP: Call the Cruiseabout Williamstown team on 1300 610 073 by 13 May _______________________________________________________________

Free River Cruising Information Sessions Join your local Cruiseabout in South Australia store for a free river cruising information session with APT, Avalon, Scenic & Viking River Cruises. Receive great advice from our cruising specialists, attend information sessions from the cruise line representatives and have access to exclusive Cruiseabout deals only available on the day. Free car parking on site. Register your interest by contacting your nearest Cruiseabout. DATE: Saturday, 25 May 2013 TIME: 10:00am: Expo opens            11:00am: APT Cruising            12:00pm: ScenicTours            1:00pm: Avalon Waterways            2:00pm: Viking River Cruises            4:00pm Expo closes VENUE: Highway Inn Hotel, 290 Anzac Hwy, Plympton RSVP: Call your local Cruiseabout store for more details!              Cruiseabout Glenelg - 1300 110 309              Cruiseabout Prospect - 1300 261 396              Cruiseabout Burnside - 1300 841 742              Cruiseabout Mitcham - 1300 544 120

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Last Minute Travel Tips to Australia

Following on from the last post, here are some tips specifically for visiting Australia, enjoy.

Australia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There's a wide expanse of land that allows for plenty of land travel, it has some of the world's most amazing landmarks and if you're looking for adventure, the continent will never lack for something to offer. But in case you're traveling to Australia at the last minute, here are some useful tips you might want to consider:

Last minute travel to Australia might not be cheap.

If you're coming from North America, be prepared to spend a bit on travel tickets. Even the cheap fares going there aren't that cheap, so be ready with your cash or credit card.  Tourists generally flock to the continent beginning October and on till February, which means last minute tickets might be tough to get. If you're traveling last minute to Australia, there may be flights where you can get a good discount but you will have to make a few adjustments in case you want to take advantage of the low deals. 

For cheap, last minute flights to Australia, learn to be flexible because you might not always have a choice in terms of seating, time, destination airport or even flight class.  If you're up for an adventure, though, then booking a last minute travel flight to Australia is only the beginning.

Have a plan.

As mentioned earlier, Australia is a big continent and it has plenty to offer. When you're booking a last minute flight, at least have a few good ideas on what you want to do when you get there. Surfing?  Rock climbing? Diving? Or just enjoying the natural beauty of the Outback? 

Make a list of what you where you want to go and the kind of things you want to experience. If you're making last minute travel plans to Australia, you might have to compromise on some things. At least, while you're there, you get to experience as much as you can.

Know a little bit about the country.

There are certain things about Australia that might surprise you if you aren't familiar with it and we're not talking about the local dialect. Cars are left-hand drives and summertime in the U.S. is wintertime in the continent, which means you're more likely to get a heat stroke in December. If you're coming in from the cold, be prepared to shed your clothes.

Familiarize yourself with your destination.

Last minute travel plans to Australia shouldn't include you getting lost. Contact the local tourism office or book accommodations with local agencies. If you need a car to drive you to and from the airport, have this ready as well. Most travel agencies will be happy to make these arrangements for you.

Ask for extra information prior to the trip or go online and look for travel guides to the areas you plan to visit. Above all, just enjoy all that Australia has to offer.

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Preparing for a Last Minute Holiday Trips

Last minute holiday travel requires making whirlwind preparation. In such instances, you’re liable to make mistakes but you can minimize them when you use the tips below.

Book online; book direct.

Travel agencies and other usual avenues for making vacation arrangements are probably closed during the holidays. You’re going to waste a lot of time if you insist on one that’s stayed open while the rest of the world goes on holiday. To save on time, money, and effort, just book everything online. Brick and mortar shops may close but websites are usually ready to serve 24/7. Better yet, why not call directly the hotel or airline you’re interested in? That’s sure to get results!

Make advanced reservations.

It’s sheer folly if you assume something will be available during the holidays. These are, after all, the busiest time of the year. Burn the phone lines if you have to. Stay online 24/7 if necessary. Do whatever is required until you’re able to secure a reservation.

Get stocked and stuffed.

Anticipate your needs. This is even more critical if you’ve booked a cabin, cottage, or any other type of accommodations that doesn’t come with room service. Stock on food, medicine, cash, and the likes. Holidays mean a lot of closed signs hanging on doors but you shouldn’t pin all your hopes on convenience stores. Before leaving home, be sure that you’ve already raided all your cupboards and the groceries if necessary.

Leave early.

Traffic is absolutely horrible during the holidays and that’s an indisputable fact. Denying the truth won’t help so it’s important for you to leave as early as you can. If you leave during peak hours, you’ll have to contend with impatient drivers and frantic crowds.

Check transportation.

If you are going to drive to your destination, make sure you have a professional check your car. Get a full tank of gas to reduce the need for making unnecessary stops. Plan your routes carefully. Use your GPS or any other reference tool to determine the best routes. Determine the number of pit stops required for your travel and make sure you time each and every stage of your travel so that you won’t find yourself taking a wrong turn in the wrong place at the wrong time.

If you’re going to rent a car for your last-minute travel plans, you need to choose a suitable vehicle for your vacation plan. A flashy sports car may make a great choice for weekend getaways and short trips but it’s not the perfect transportation mode if you’re going to explore rough mountain routes or trek desert paths.

In any case, make sure to read terms and conditions before paying for your car rental. Be sure to verify insurance details of your rented car. This way, if something bad happens, you’re not liable to pay.

Most Important - Adapt.

Things can and will go wrong one way or another. Think about it. Even though you’ve planned everything to the last detail during your last vacation, something still ended up wrong. What more when you’re having a last minute vacation? When misfortune indeed strikes, just learn to accept it and move on. It’s the holidays, after all! 

Be jolly, forget about the hassles, and just look forward to having some great R & R when you finally get to your destination.