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Issue 31: Friday, 12 April 2019

London’s skyline will turn red, white and blue

Upon the arrival of the royal baby, the capital’s skyline will shine bright with the colors of the Union Flag as the London Eye illuminates in red, white and blue to welcome the seventh in line to the throne. Meanwhile, from one royal baby to another, Kensington Palace will be staging an exhibition based around Queen Victoria’s childhood. Details here

Baby buggy biscuits in pink or blue

Sitting on the edge of the leafy Hyde Park, the Royal Lancaster London has created delicious fondant ‘baby buggy’ biscuits, in either royal blue or powder pink. These will be offered complimentary with every tea or coffee served throughout the hotel, for one week from the birth of the new baby. For all things royal look here.

Boost your frequent flyer points

According to Australian Frequent Flyer, credit card sign-up bonuses are one of the easiest ways to accumulate frequent flyer points quickly and relatively cheaply. The trick is to keep up to date with the best deals that don’t cost the earth.  If you’re thinking about applying for a new credit card have a look here.

Be sure to get maximum value for your points

It can be difficult to work out how best to redeem your points. Australian Frequent Flyer can help with everything from simple award flight bookings right through to complex round-the-world itineraries. You pay for the Flight Assist service – but AFF’s experts know how to take advantage of frequent flyer program sweet spots and maximise free stopovers and open-jaws.  More details here.

Two Princess ships for Sydney

The cruise explosion continues with Princess Cruises announcing its biggest season ever with two ships based out of Sydney. There will be 123 sailings out of Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Adelaide roundtrips include a 14 night Eastern & Southern Explorer plus 17 nights New Caledonia & Vanuatu. $1000 air credit is available for some sailings. See details here

Special fares to sleepy New Caledonia

Air Caledonia has released special fares to New Caledonia with return fares from as low as $549 ex Brisbane. Closer to Australia than Fiji this sleepy,  beautiful and laid back destination is home to the world’s largest lagoon. Capital, Noumea, offers everything from luxury overwater bungalows to family resorts or you can venture into the country’s three other island archipelagos. Details here

Half price cruising in Europe

Helloworld has three specials in the market – half price Europe luxury cruising from Budapest to Amsterdam (deal ends April 19), five nights at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi plus flights from $1899pp – a saving of $795pp – and a China Southern sale valid until April 27. Return flights to Singapore start from $664.  With its private beach, the Ritz Carlton Grand Canal getaway is perfect for couples and families. More details here

Save 50% on high speed rail tickets

Rail is the only way to get around Europe and right now RailEurope is on sale.There are spectacular savings of 50% off train tickets between France and Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg but go to the site now for the best bargains. Specific routes apply. Offer ends 30 April 2019. Fares are valid for travel from 3 April through 1 September 2019. See here.

Book early and pay less at Accor

Accor Hotels is a huge group with more than 1500 properties all over the world. If you plan your next trip well before the departure date you can save up to 25% on rates at participating properties.  This offer is available at most of the hotel brands including ibis Budget, ibis Hotels, ibis Styles, Mercure, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Novotel Suites and Pullman. Details here.

From the newspapers this week

Webjet is advertising a 17 day Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise including flights with Emirates from $7,499pp twin share. The tour includes the cruise, sightseeing in Amsterdam and a cruise through the city’s iconic canals. Summer 2020 departure dates are available now. More details here.