Australians love affair with Asia is never ending. Exotic ports, magic palaces, the scent of spice and holiday resort destinations tempt us all.
Asia Discovery tours have every type of tour imaginable, from a 14 day Sri Lanka Panorama to a Russian waterways tour. They are world and Asian specialists who have been in the business for years, their 15 day Japan and Korea Indulgence tour starts at $5780 or try their 11 day china Holiday tour at just $1680, their range of tours is amazing and their experience unbeatable go to http://www.asiadiscoverytours.com.au/
CBT Holidays are a quality small group specialist. Their range of holiday destinations stretch from Cambodia to South America and Africa. Airfares are included in their quality tour deals which include an Indian Forts and Palaces Tour of 13 days with all the famous sites from $3750pp or a China Splendid Tour of 14 days with a Yangtze Cruise from $3650pp, Mynamar Explorer is a 10 day tour of this fabulous destination from $3880pp. Go to www.cbtholidays.com.au for bookings and details of many other tours.
Still in Asia, China Travel Services are celebrating their 32nd anniversary with a $100 voucher per person per tour and what a variety they have. Tours of China from 8 to 15 days, Tibet and Katmandu, China with a Japan cruise, Wonders of China, Japan Cherry Blossom all with airfares, accommodation, English speaking guides, airport taxes & surcharges included. Prices from $1699-$3500. So get booking at www.chinatravel.com.au
Vietnam & Cambodia are increasingly attractive to Australian travellers. Close proximity & oriental culture appeal to the Aussies. CH Cruises & Travel have an 11 night luxury cruise with deluxe hotels, including all meals on board, local beers, soft drink & wine, served with lunch & dinner, extensive sightseeing, all transfers sailing from Saigon, Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia including return airfares form Sydney at $4,099 per person. They also have a Luxury Yangon to Mandalay 11 night river cruise from $5,299pp. Go to mail@chcruises.com or 3969 4466 for more details.
South African Airways have daily flights from Perth to Johanesburg and connections to 29 destinations in Africa. Gain points on South African Airways Frequent Flyer Programme – SAA Voyager with partner airlines on Star Alliance and on domestic flights within Australia on Virgin. South Africa’s world renowned hospitality service and comfort is waiting for you. Voted the Best Airline in Africa for 14 consecutive years go to https://www.flysaa.com/ for bookings and fares.
Nearby India is one of the most colourful vibrant original travel experiences available in the modern world today. Discover the back water ghats, the cool mountain outposts of colonial times, magnificent palaces, thriving & throbbing cities, palm fringed beaches & mysteries of time. There is no other place with the contrast & adventure, the wild life & the scenery, the wonder & intrigue of India & it is so close. Go to http://incredibleindia.org/ to explore your opportunities.
The love/hate relationship with our neighbour New Zealand is all in good spirits. We hate them for having such great Rugby and Cricket teams and love them for their friendship and our shared histories. This dynamic island nation is a favourite with its big neighbour as it has so many attractions, adventure around every corner, the world’s most breathtaking scenery and is so close.
Known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, Dunedin is the country’s city of the south, wearing its Scottish heritage with pride. Surrounded by dramatic hills & at the foot of a long, picturesque harbour, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian & Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Be sure to explore Dunedin’s fantastic museums, discover scientific gems at the Discovery Centre at the Otago Museum, visit New Zealand’s only castle Larnach Castle & step back in time at Olveston Historic Home & Theomin Gallery. This pristine historic home has much to offer with its magnificent artwork in every room. Olverston reflects the wealth & influence of its founder; Dunedin businessman, collector & philanthropist David Theomin. Opened as a historic house museum in 1967, Olveston is an authentic & original historic home depicting the life of a wealthy merchant family in the early part of the twentieth century http://www.olveston.co.nz
Travelling to New Zealand is referred to by Australians as ‘going for a trip next door’ or traversing the Tasman Sea as ‘across the ditch’ so familiar have they become to one of Oz’s most popular destinations. Queenstown is visited by many whether it be during winter for the snow or summer for the hiking. Blue Peaks Apartments are located here, ideal for families equipped with Sky TV, these fully furnished 2 & 3 bed apartments are everything you desire. Great views with ensuite bathrooms, don’t miss out book at www.bluepeaksapartments.co.nz
For something completely different, how about a trip to the musical island of Cuba, located close to the USA yet completely different. A sunny isle of happy active locals awaits visitors to the cigar capital of the world – Cuba. Slice of Life tours will help you samba your way around Cuba in no time. Dance yourself into the rhythm that is Cuba with their specialized group tours. Stay in private casa’s, boutique and resort style hotels. Interact with locals over breakfast, soak in the colourful culture and mix it up in cobblestone streets, white sandy beaches and picturesque countryside. A quality tour with an opportunity to see Cuba as it opens its doors, http://sliceoflifetours.com.au/
Staying at home and being a tourist in one’s own land is fun in Australia. Our big broad island nation has more to offer than any other island on Earth. Great tours, fab cruises, accommodation packages abound. All types of accommodation from camping to extreme luxury can be booked. Outstanding scenic destinations, desert landscapes, big cities and historic country towns offer the traveller every possible option. Touring at home is grand.
Equeva is an innovative accommodation group in The Blue Mountains, offering 3.5 star accommodation and dining options. Relax and be renewed in perfectly selected properties. All the hard work is done for you. Unique guesthouses, motels and self-contained apartments at your fingertips. Great locations with views, proximity to restaurants, cafes and quaint mountain villages. Go to www.eqeva.com.au
The Snowy Mountains is a fascinating area to explore all year round. This famous region offers all experiences from mountain to lake, river to forest, skiing on water or slope, a natural wonderland open 24/7 all year long.
Sierra Valley Lodge offers traditional Bed and Breakfast in the beautiful Snowy Mountain town of Berridale. Here you will feel at home with a home-cooked breakfast of special delights every morning cooked by your friendly hosts. Come and experience the Snowy Mountains, explore the rivers, mountains and national parks of this majestic region of NSW. Fishing, horse- riding, hiking, cycling or motor bike touring are all within easy reach every day. Go to http://www.sierravillalodge.com.au/
At Cooranbong in New South Wales, Ellen G Whites’ homestead “Sunnyside” is a must for all travellers through this region. A pioneer of the Seventh Day Adventists she travelled extensively through Europe, the USA & the South Pacific. She started the Avondale College of Higher Education in Cooranbong. An avid writer, her life’s work is on display here at “Sunnyside”. The South Sea Island Museum contains artefacts, a full sized war canoe & many indigenous objects. Open Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday from 2pm-4pm 27 Avondale Rd, Cooranbong.
How about a trip to the top of the Australian Continent, the very top of Queensland, the tip of Cape York to be exact. Have you ever wanted to visit Cape York to stand at the northern most point in Australia, well now you can with the Cape York Day Tour – the world’s longest scenic flight, where you walk on top of Australia after a 4 hour 4wheel drive tour of the north end & this is after your low level scenic plane trip up from Cairns with Daintree Air Services, there is nothing like this anywhere else, go to www.daintreeair.com.au
Hopkinson’s 5 star luxury coaches offer all day hassle free, flexible tours. Customize your own tour, have your own time out doing what you want. Talk to their professionals about your needs. Videos/DVD players, reclining cloth seats, AC Luxury coaches will make your trip unforgettable go to www.hopkinsons.com.au
Tallangatta Motor Inn can take you through the North East of Victoria like nobody else. Experts in the region they have a North East Blitz tour of 5 days & 4 nights for only $495, The Lakes & Valleys for $625 & Best of the Region for $685 for 7 days & 6 nights. They do tours to Canberra, the Great Ocean Road, Lake Entrance & Melbourne. All tours include breakfast, lunch & dinners, morning & afternoon teas, free pickups from Albury Station & accommodation. Email them at tallangattamotorinn@gmail.com
The outback holds a unique fascination to travellers from here & abroad. The light & landscape are different to anything else on earth. The sparkle of ores, sprinkled through the rocks & sand twinkle with the dreams of those who came here for their fortunes. Gold, gold & more gold or silver has lured men from all over the world to our historic gold rush towns & cities. Broken Hill is one of them & you can see it all here with Sliver City Tours, that take you back to the 1900’s with a 6 day tour from $999 including all tours, accommodation meals & transfers. Visit grand old pubs, heritage architecture, mining cottages & villages, historic mines, unforgettable landscapes & much more. See the outback in super comfort everyday & then enjoy this fabulous city www.silvercitytours.com.au Eureka!!
For all travellers whether domestic or international, there is always the chance of something unpredictable happening. Being unprepared for hospital bills or evacuation is not good planning. With the ever present danger of accidents on the road, at sea, or delays & layovers for flights or connections, travel insurance is a necessity that must be included in all trip planning. The unwanted appointment in emergency or at the dentist overseas can cost a small fortune. For seniors, you can get your cover hassle free at Seniors In Sure – make sure you do – go two www.seniorsinsure.com.au for all your needs
The wonderful world of travel is in a constant state of movement, coming and going, giving and receiving. It will still exist without you, but why should you let it. Join the movement, get going, don’t wait for tomorrow, now is the moment of experience. You are needed somewhere else right now.
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Pic 1: Blue Mountains, view from Hanging Rock
Pic 2: The Palace / Lost City /Sun City, South Africa
Pic 3: Ancient temples. Sera monastery near Lhasa, Tibet
