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

Holiday Safety tips

5 Holiday Travel Tips from the 

National Security Institute:  

1.If you'll be gone overnight, be sure to secure your home. Remember, the holidays are a boon time for burglars too! You'll want to hold your mail and newspaper deliveries, and generally make the place look like somebody's there. You may use timers to turn various lights on and off. Or you may ask a neighbor to do the same.

2.Speaking of home: Take a look around at your valuables. Fine jewelry and other small, easily stolen items should probably go in a safe deposit box. So should critical documents such as auto titles, birth certificates, and Social Security cards.

3.If you're driving, prepare your vehicle for the trip. This is especially important if it's cold where you live and/or if you have younger kids. Make sure your fluid levels and tire pressures are correct (don't forget the spare!), and pack an emergency kit with coats, water, flares, snacks, etc. in case you end up broken down in the middle of nowhere.

4.If you're flying, prepare ahead of time. Make sure friends and family have copies of your itinerary, and bring all necessary ID to avoid delays. Do you have a supply of all necessary prescription meds? Also, when packing, obey all TSA guidelines regarding toiletries. This can spare you much hassle in security lines.

5.It's a good idea to have extra cash during travel, but you should sift through your wallet or purse to make sure you don't bring too much personal info. For example, you might bring your driver's license and a single credit and debit card, leaving the rest in a safe place so it can't be lost or stolen.

6.And one more tip from us:  Be mindful about what you share on social media.  Broadcasting your travel plans (or pictures) on social media to a wide audience can invite the unwanted attention of opportunistic burglers. Enable privacy settings to limit your audience so you can share the joy of your vacation, without putting yourself or your valuables at risk.

Have a great festive season

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

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. Featured Destination: South Australia Visit one of Australia's wine and seafood capitals http://www.travelzoo.com/au/destinations/southaustralia/ ************************************************************ TOP 20 DEALS * -- 23 October 2013 ************************************************************ $199 -- Melbourne Hilton Stay w/Upgrade & Breakfast, 51% Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1600681 Source: Hilton on the Park-Melbourne $999 -- Thailand: 7-Night Phuket Stay w/Flights & Bonuses http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601643 Source: Grab a Getaway $1849 -- 9-Day South Korea Holiday w/International Flights http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601606 Source: Nexus Holidays $199 -- Deluxe Sydney Apartments w/Breakfast, up to 37% Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1600670 Source: Hotels.com $89 & up -- Qantas Flights across Australia on Sale http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601668 Source: Qantas $445 -- Bali: 5-Nt 4-Star Kuta Break w/Extras, Reg. $715 http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601667 Source: Kuta Seaview Boutique Resort & Spa $179 -- Luxury Adelaide Hills Hotel w/Breakfast, Save $140 http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601625 Source: lastminute.com.au $1460 & up -- 5-Star Airline: Europe Return Flights http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601601 Source: Qatar Airways $155 -- 2-Bed Apartment in Darwin CBD for up to 4 http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1600662 Source: City Gardens Apartments $1899 -- 13-Day Alaska Cruise & Canada Rockies Tour http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601613 Source: Destination International Holidays $730 -- 8-Night South Pacific Cruise w/Bonus Credit http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601674 Source: cruisesalefinder.com.au $255 -- 5-Star Shanghai Hotel w/Club Access & More, $182 Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601648 Source: InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin $116 -- California Wine Country Hotel w/Tastings, 60% Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601665 Source: Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa $193 & up -- UK & Germany Rail Passes, Save 20% http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601673 Source: International Rail $350 -- 3-Nt Margaret River Cottage Stay, 1 Night Free http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601609 Source: Bussells Bushland Cottages $120 -- Barcelona 4-Star Hotel w/Breakfast, 40% Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601682 Source: H10 Universitat $2914 -- NZ: 5-Nt Luxury Lodge Stay w/Guided Fly Fishing http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1600690 Source: Stonefly Lodge $59 -- Gold Coast Hinterland Full-Day Tour, Half Price http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601649 Source: Goanna Adventures $498 -- 3-Nt Gold Coast Hinterland B&B Stay, 33% Off http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601638 Source: Camelot Cottages $4625 & up -- 12-Day Africa Safari Package w/Flights http://www.travelzoo.com/au/top20/91671091-1601647 Source: Adventure Destinations

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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 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

Naked Bungee Jumping

There's a new trend in bungee jumping, but I wouldn't exactly say that it's taking the world by storm. So what is this new angle on the ancient sport of bungee jumping?  How about naked bungee jumping.  OK, so I know you think I'm crazy, but there hundreds, perhaps thousands out there who will swear by this experience.  Let's take a few minutes to look at the possible attraction, as well as the detractors, of this bizarre variation on the sport.

First, it is interesting to note that the natives who have performed the ritual that has become bungee jumping for thousands of years wear very little clothing.  I'll admit, it must be a bit different jumping from a make-shift wooden tower using a jungle vine attached to your ankles.  This is a far cry from modern bungee jumping.  However, these native young men wore nothing more than a flimsy loin cloth on their plunge to please mother earth.  So in some primitive, instinctual way, there must be a spiritual attraction of sorts in performing naked bungee jumping.  Some people who choose to participate in this variation of the sport have admitted to being extreme naturalists, even nudists.  Of course, there are those who complete nude bungee jumping who wouldn't qualify as nature lovers at all.  



A common theme that is seen at the special events held for such display is that of a couple performing a tandem jump.  A tandem jump is simply a jump where two people go together, usually tethered together, facing each other.  There is obviously some primitive expression of sexuality in this type of event.  However, more modern couples are choosing to participate in naked bungee jumping to show their devotion to one another.  Taking the plunge can now be applied to more than just marriage!  Many couples who share their experience afterward say that there is a definite bonding that takes place.  Sharing an adrenaline rush such as the death-defying act of naked bungee jumping is something that will tie them together forever in their eyes.

Another reason many people choose to go 'full monty' on the ropes is because it is usually cheaper.  Yep, you heard me right.  Although the time investment and equipment used by the jump company is the same, the cost is less.  Some companies even allow those brave souls who want to go naked bungee jumping to go free of charge.  These types of promotional efforts appeal to those who are of a more frugal nature.  Some companies that offer naked bungee jumping do so once a year, on a pre-planned date or weekend event.  This helps make the event more palpable to the public.  Imagine going to an amusement park and seeing people riding the rides naked!  It would be a great shock, especially if you did not know that it was planned that way.  By scheduling the special jumps for a specific date, the promoters of this type of event avoid that aspect of publicity.

It's growing among the ardent fans of the sport, as well as the newcomers.  It seems to have no defining characteristic except that those who perform it are lovers of adventure.  So whether you believe in the spirituality of it all or not, naked bungee jumping is here to stay.

 

Whats happening in Sydney in September

There's a number of interesting events coming up in Sydney this month, here,s a small selection...
 

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

Bankstown Children’s Festival 2013

When: 7 September 2013 Time: 10.30am to 7.00pm

Where: Paul Keating Park, Bankstown
The festival will feature a huge range of activities and events for families to enjoy. Kicking off the day will be the costume competition, with dances and musical performances, kite-flying, scout adventures, arts and crafts, and a table tennis competition sure to keep everyone occupied for the rest of the day.
For more details go www.childrensfestival.com.au

Orange Blossom Festival 2013

When: 6 – 8 September Venue: Old Northern Road, Castle Hill

The Orange Blossom Festival (OBF) has been a major annual festival in the Hills Shire since 1969 with the objective of stimulating the growth of social, cultural and sporting activities within the shire. The festival name originated from the shire's reputation in the 1800s as the biggest citrus growing regio.
For details go to: www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Orange-Blossom-Festival.html#.Uh4TTj-mGpo

Australian Garden Show Sydney

When: 5-8 September Where: Centennial Park

The first-ever Australian Garden Show will be held in Centennial Park this September and looks set to establish itself as Sydney's biggest outdoor gardening and lifestyle event. It will run from Thursday September 5 until Sunday September 8, with a variety of activities focusing on gardens, flowers, sustainability and design taking place throughout the period.
Fore more details go here: http://australiangardenshowsydney.com.au

Taiwan Festival Sydney 2013

Saturday 7 September from 3.00-9.00pm FREE

Patrons will be able to sample the culinary delights of Taiwan at the food stalls, including the irresistible pork dumplings, entrees such as braised and sliced beef loins, pickled salads, battered and fried tofu, deep fried tender pork ribs and of course the famous pearl milk tea. Guests will be treated with the famous glove puppet performance, a Taiwanese folk performing art, where puppets embark on a journey of fantasy, kung fu and adventure.
Taiwan Festival Sydney 2013 will celebrate and share the splendor of the Australian multiculturalism with all.

Click here to learn more.

R U OK? Day 2013 – 12 September 2013

Ask one question & save a life
Just three little words could save someone's life and no they aren't 'I love you'. Although that would be great also but I am actually talking about asking someone, 'Are you ok'? Or in this case, R U Ok? Seems simple doesn't it, however, we get so caught up in our own lives that it's easy to forget to ask.

Find out more at www.ruokday.com