Latest Travel Blog Entries

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Australia and New Zealand provide some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in the world. Spotlight the bustling metropolises of Sydney and Auckland, plus the incredible wildlife on land and at sea, and you have all the elements for a truly memorable vacation. From the sophistication of the Opera House and the world-class wineries, to the rugged individualism of the Outback and its inhabitants, Australia and New Zealand possess a wonderful diversity of sights, activities and cultures.

Few travel experiences can rival the excitement of sailing into the glistening harbors of Sydney and Auckland, as well as inspiring attractions, such as scenic Fiordland National Park and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, just to name a few.

We have amazing Australia tours and cruises to choose from with prices starting as low as $2,499 pp for 12 days visiting both Australia and New Zealand.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Air New Zealand is consistently recognized as the leading airline for the South Pacific by receiving many awards from the travel industry. And why do they strive to be even better?  It’s all about the customer experience. Air New Zealand’s goal is to create an in-flight experience unlike any other airline for all passengers.

We are particularly excited about the new economy skycouch and premium economy spaceseat.  The concept of the sky couch is for a couple to purchase all three seats in a row. The leg rests come all the way up to extend the width of the seat, allowing two people to lie down side by side.  A thin mattress is place on top of the seats and a full size pillow is provided. The length is only 5 feet across so you may not be able to stretch out completely, but keep in mind this is economy class – big difference from only being able to tilt your seat back.  Couples  or families would pay regular price for the first two seats, and then 1/2 price for the 3rd seat. Prices begin around $1,400 for that extra seat.  There will 22 Skycouches in the first 11 rows of economy class.

You can’t book until April, so I researched some prices base on travel this June from LAX to Auckland, and found that the same trip in economy class for 2 people purchasing the middle seat would be around $7,800 total.

When will all these upgrades be available?  On the new 777-300ER’s that begin service in November, 2010 between Auckland and Los Angeles.  Upgrades to their current 777-200 aircrafts will begin in 2011. You can begin booking these Skycouches in April of this year.

Start exploring an Australia and New Zealand vacation today.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

As you get ready to travel?

Here are some tips to give you peace of mind while you are away and make sure you do not make your house as a target of opportunity. These are some simple precautions from the experts.

• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period.
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.

Sunday, January 03, 2010

Darwin is the Capital City of the Northern Territory Where Asia meets the Dreamtime An exciting, eclectic mixture of cultures A place that is truly uniquely Australian while being home for more than 60 different nationalities, people who come from all continents of the globe. A focus for festivals, food and fashion.

Set on a rocky peninsula reaching into one of the most beautiful natural harbours on the north Australian coast. Elevated above the cliffs, surrounded by water on three sides, a city fanned by soft cool breezes that contribute to its tropical charm. The tropical climate encourages outdoor living and locals and visitors alike take advantage of this lifestyle to stroll through Darwin's leafy streets, browsing through the art galleries and enjoying cafe life, discovering little hidden corners of the city. The contrasts are exquisite. A Chinese temple with its statues of the Immortals, the smoke from incense drifting slowly upward, lies only twenty metres behind busy Cavenagh St, but exists in a different world, timeless and peaceful. Darwin - a city of contrasts and tempting tastes. where shady parks suitable for quiet contemplation lie only metres from streets full of shoppers, the smells of food drift on the air from sizzling grills, flaming woks and bubbling saucepans. Darwin - take time to enjoy its wonderful trees that surprise our visitors, exotic flowering trees, frangipani, Pride of India and poincianas, the shady raintrees, banyan and tamarind trees delight the senses and leave images of a truly tropical city. Darwin - A city destroyed three times - first by the cyclone of 1893, then by the bombs of World War II, next by Cyclone Tracy. The spirit of survival undiminished, Darwin has grown and developed to become the modern city of today, a monument to the tenacity and courage of its people.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Dunk is one of only a handful of tropical rainforest islands close to the Great Barrier Reef. It is a place of great contrast. From the solitude of its secluded beaches to an endless array of island activities. Rising majestical from the Coral Sea, it is almost entirely covered by tropical rainforest. But Dunk is more than just Australia's most beautiful rainforest island, it really has no equal for an unforgettable family holiday. Nowhere else can you enjoy such an exhaustive list of activities and experiences centred around an island of idyllic natural beauty. It's a combination that's hard to resist. There's so much to do together on Dunk, there really is no better place to enjoy being a couple. Set sail aboard a catamaran, enjoy a stroll through the rainforest or; if you really want to get away from it all, take one of our dinghies and make the short trip to nearby Purtaboi Island. The picturesque island is perfect for enjoying a gourmet beach picnic in romantic seclusion.