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Issue 2: Saturday, 11 August 2018
Last Minute Deals
Save 20% on 10 and 15-day German Rail Passes when you book by August 29, 2018. Explore all of Germany with a single pass.
Journey from the shores of the Baltic Sea to the peaks of the Bavarian Alps, and all the vibrant cities in between. More details here
Honolulu from $899. Relax in paradise on the island of Oahu with Qantas’ flight offers to Honolulu. Offer ends 21 August 2018, unless sold out prior. Details Qantas.com
Win holidays, bonus points
Book a participating Accor Hotel and you have a chance to win prizes including holidays, experiences, bonus points and more. Imagine soaring over Queenstown on a private helicopter ride, watching the Australian Open Men’s Final from Category 1 seats.
Plus, the winner of the grand prize will be jetting off with a guest to the Maldives. Register and stay before 31 January 2019 at participating AccorHotels properties across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia. Details at accorhotels.com
17 day Mexico fly/drive $2999
Special deals advertised this week in newspapers around the country this week included Trafalgar Tours offering a 10% saving on its 2019 Britain and Europe tours. Online travel agent TripaDeal is selling a 17 day fly and tour package to Mexico that includes the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Palenque priced from $2999pp twin share.
Finally, Evergreen tours is advertising savings of up to $4600 per couple on Danube and Rhine river cruises until the end of this month. See trafalgar.comtripadeal.com.au and Evergreentours.com.au
Free night for Tassie walkers
Walking tour operator Life’s An Adventure is offering a free night’s pre-tour accommodation in Hobart on select departures booked by August 31. The walks are pack free so you won’t be lugging around a large rucksack.
The Three Capes Track is Tasmania’s fastest growing hiking destination. Clients walk to Cape Raoul and Cape Hauy and see Cape Pillar from the air on a helicopter or sea on a cruise. More details here
Maximise Frequent Flyer points value
Not sure how best to redeem your frequent flyer points for flights? Or perhaps you don’t have hours to spend searching painstakingly for award availability? A good idea is to join Australian Frequent Flyer. It’s free and the newsletter is always a good read.
As well, AFF offers a service called Award-Flight Assist. From simple one-way bookings, right through to complex round-the-world itineraries, the expert team can help you to find the perfect itinerary. Go to australianfrequentflyer.com
Cruise to free WIFI, excursions, shopping
Azamara Cruises has added a couple of value goodies if you book a select voyage before August 31, 2018. The Experience More package for inside cabins includes US$500 shore excursion onboard credit plus Unlimited WiFi for two devices and US$200 onboard spa credit.
If you book a verandah or suite: US$700 shore excursion onboard credit plus unlimited WiFi for two devices, a beverage package for two, US$250 spa credit, two bags of laundry and Chef’s Table for two. Go here for more information
Book car for 5 days, get 15% off
Book with Europcar today and receive 15% off the base rate when you rent a vehicle for 5 days or more in Australia or New Zealand. Choose from a range of vehicles including small and convenient economy cars, through to large family 4WDs and prestige cars.
Europcar locations are conveniently located in all major cities, airports and town centres and your rental includes roadside assistance for peace of mind travel. Plus, if you are a member of the Velocity Frequent Flyer program, you can earn Points on your rental. Europcar.com.au
Coastal Pacific back again
KiwiRail’s iconic Coastal Pacific scenic journey will roll again between Picton and Christchurch from December 1. The reconnected service will allow people to travel from Auckland to Christchurch and across to the West Coast by train and Interislander ferry.
The Coastal Pacific will run seven days a week (except Christmas Day) from December 1, 2018 until 28 April in 2019. The five-hour journey includes 98km travelling along the rugged Pacific Coastline. The train rumbles through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges. More details here
Hassle free to remote areas
With local guides and curated excursions included throughout your tour, escorted holidays allow you to get under the skin of a country without worrying about the detail.
Sydney based Travelzoo has negotiated with some of the best operators to bring you differentiated journeys to the most iconic destinations in the world: from the lavish palaces of India’s “Land of Kings” to the Gothic church steeples of Central Europe, a 10-day photography tour of Mongolia’s remotest places and incredible Vietnam and Japan itineraries. Have a look at travelzoo.com
One stop shop in Maldives
With more than 720 properties available in the Maldives, travellers are spoiled for choice. One group to keep in mind is Coco Collection – its three award-winning boutique resorts offer a one-stop shop of premium accommodation options.
Coco Privé Private Island, Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu are united by their affinity for preserving the beautiful Maldivian environment. Aside from that commonality, they are entirely different and span price ranges, atolls and experiential offerings; boasting an option for every type of traveller. More details, www.cococollection.com
There are traps, particularly for first time travellers, when booking online. If in doubt, deal with an AFTA accredited travel agent.
We recommend booking.com for accommodation (be flexible and grab a deal you can cancel for free) webjet.com.au. and edreams.com.au. to check prices and book flights. Travel insurance is a must. Check with your insurer or get a quote from industry leader Covermore.com. Read the conditions carefully and remember if you have a pre existing illness, it must be disclosed.
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