Issue 65: Saturday, 7 December 2019
Don’t miss the bright lights
London’s Royal Garden Hotel in High Street Kensington is a favourite of mine. A short stroll away is the Churchill Arms, famed for its charm and Christmas light decorations. The dazzling festive foliage displayed right now on the exterior of the pub is a spectacle to behold. This year the owners have gone all out, planting 86 pine trees illuminated with 22,500 lights
Or, London’s Winter Wonderland
Another great attraction that Kensington has on offer at this time of the year is the famed Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. Expect winter markets, fairground rides, scrumptious seasonal cuisine and, perhaps most importantly, plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm. New this year is a 70m observation wheel – joining favourites including the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink.
Or a plate of fish and chips
Viator is the name to remember when you are looking for interesting tours of great cities like London. Top seller at the moment is the London East End Food Tour. Appease your appetite with the English classic of a bacon sandwich at St John Bread and Wine restaurant, stroll Brick Lane to sample spicy curries and try the traditional British dish, fish and chips, at Poppies restaurant. More detailshere
A time for festive giving
Cheval Residences in London is celebrating this magical time of year with 18 days of festive gifting. Be in with a chance to win a range of prizes including luxury hampers from Maison Samadi, Gibson & Bruce, exciting London experiences and even stays at Cheval Residences. Have a look here
Qantas 12 days of Xmas deal
Helloworld Travel and Qantas Airways will get you to London in comfort and style. The 12 days of Christmas sale is on now. When you fly with Qantas you enjoy the latest entertainment and award-winning service. I was really impressed by Qatar business class recently but the guy next to me preferred Qantas! The offer ends 12 December 2019, unless sold out prior. See here
Festival seat sale to Asia
Malaysia Airlines is also on sale until December 19. Prices vary from each state but to give you some idea Bangkok from Adelaide is priced from $633 – business from $2985. You have to read the conditions very carefully – flights will only be available on certain dates. Bali from Sydney is from $727. Details here
Or, how about Japan?
Always dreamt of visiting Tokyo? Well, you are in luck, Virgin Australia has just launched flights into Haneda, the closest airport to Tokyo city allowing you easier access to all the quirky cafes, vibrant nightlife and endless fun that Tokyo has to offer. Check with your local Flight Centre office to get the sale price from your capital. Adelaide for instance is from $657 return. Sale ends December 16. See here
Airlines by class of service
Tripadvisor has millions of followers who are quite happy to comment on just about anything connected with travel. One of the latest polls selected the best airlines by class of service – and I can back two of the winners from my own experience. Ok not first class (won by Emirates) – but business class in Qatar is absolutely outstanding along with premium economy in Air New Zealand. Qatar needs to improve its inflight entertainment however. See here
Barcelona return from $999 return
Who would have thought you could fly to Europe and back with a quality airline for under $1000? Qatar is celebrating 10 years of service to Australia and flights are on special. The deals include return to Barcelona from $999. Book by 12 December 2019 for travel between 1 February – 2 October 2020. More details here
Planning to travel in 2020?
Flight Centre has published its hottest predictions for 2020 in its annual WOW list of 50 travel experiences for 2020. The List is created annually by detailed analysis of extensive customer data. Included is traveling through Switzerland by scenic rail, glamping in the Kimberley, climbing an active volcano in Vanuatu and being a guest at an Indian wedding. See the full list here
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