Issue 31: Friday, 19 April 2019
A family cruise saves money and stress
New ports every day, no packing and repacking – no driving on the wrong side of the road, tolls and parking fees – and your kids can eat to their hearts’ content on the ship. Three meals a day in Europe on top of your accommodation is a huge expense – particularly when multiplied by, say four, people. Cruising makes sense – particularly when the cruise line cuts fares in half for your kids in the same cabin.
Japan’s pilgrim walks busy again
The growing appetite for pilgrim walking holidays – and the popularity of Japan as a destination – is fuelling strong growth in demand for Japan’s pilgrim walks according to adventure travel specialist, World Expeditions. Like the well-known Spanish Camino de Santiago, the Kumano Kodo is an ancient route that offers opportunities to walk in scenically stunning surrounds at your own pace. Details here here.
Winter is here – Games of Thrones up close
Game of Thrones has returned to our screens…and now you can experience the Seven Kingdoms in real life in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This all-new exhibition drops fans into the center of the Seven Kingdoms for an up-close and personal look at authentic props, costumes and set decorations. Also, If you are heading to Seville, The Real Alcázar with its magnificent gardens and grand halls, was used to recreate Dorne in the series. Details here.
Value fare to Santiago
Latam Airlines has released special fares to Santiago for from $1000 return ex Sydney and Melbourne. The vibrant capital city of Chile, Santiago enjoys a fabulous location between the mountains of the Andes and the beaches of the Pacific Coast and is very close to stunning wine regions (you can take the city’s subway to visit vineyards). More details, conditions here.
25% off the Venice Simplon Orient Express
Treat someone special to a journey aboard the timeless Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and enjoy a 25% discount on your companion’s fare. Available until April 30 the deal is valid on all departures in April, May and June departing from Venice. We have enjoyed this amazing ride – it begins when you approach the train on specially laid red carpet. Details here.
Two free nights at Luxury Fiji resort
he five star Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji is offering stay six nights pay for four plus three one hour spa treatments on the following dates: 28 April – 21 June 2019; 1 September – 21 September; 14 October – 20 December; 4 January – 31 March 2020. Rates for a six night package in a Gardenview bure for two adults and two children under 13 start from FJ$4,580 per adult. Details here.
Visiting Paris on a budget
New concepts in hotels are rare these days – particularly at the bargain end of the market. Jo&Joe recently opened in Paris just 20 minutes from the city centre. On offer are 485 beds priced from 25 euros per night. This company plans to expand all over the world. There are three types of accommodation – dorms, rooms and cabins. As well as fresh food guests enjoy washing machines and a shared kitchen. Details here.
Get a free night in Dubai
Whether you are planning a Dubai holiday or looking to break up your trip, Emirates has a money saving offer for you. Enjoy a free hotel stay in Dubai on your next trip when booking a valid flight. Accommodation includes selected Rove city hotels and the JW Marriott Marquis depending on class of travel. Conditions apply and the offer ends on April 30. We took advantage of this offer earlier this year and stayed at the excellent Marriott hotel. Details here.
Take off with Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific invites you to jump onboard the carrier’s Take Off Special. Fly to Asia and unwind on pristine beaches, or venture to Europe and immerse yourself in ancient architecture and cobbled streets. It’s all just a flight away. The world is your oyster from Europe and Asia to the bustle of the Big Apple and the wild beauty of Canada from AUD1,363 return. The Offer ends 5 May 2019. Details here.
Quirky festival in Hong Kong
Heading to Hong Kong next month? The Cheung Chau Bun festival on the island of Cheung Chau runs from May 9-13. A highlight is the The Bun Scrambling Competition opposite Pak Tai Temple on May 12. Competitors scramble up a bamboo tower and try to collect as many ‘lucky’ buns as possible. The winners are crowned King and Queen of the Buns. Details here.
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