Australia’s leading Asia travel specialist, Travel Indochina, has launched an exclusive new 11 day culinary tour of Vietnam to be hosted by former My Kitchen Rules contestants, Emily Cheung and Scott Bradshaw.

Departing 28 October 2012, the itinerary is packed with insightful culinary experiences, from hands on cooking classes to market walks and local dining. Among the highlights is a visit to ‘Food Alley’ in Hanoi, dinner with a local family to learn about authentic home style Vietnamese cooking and an evening cooking class with Duc at Mango Mango.

According to Travel Indochina’s Managing Director, Paul Hole, the tour provides a unique way to explore the country.

“Travelling through Hanoi, Hoi An, Saigon and Hue with two of Australia’s newest celebrity chefs, with food as a constant backdrop, adds an exciting new element to visiting the country and sharing the experience of its culture and cuisine.”

Emily Cheung MKR celebrity chef

Emily and Scott are no strangers to Asian cuisine. Emily’s heritage, which includes a Chinese father and an Australian mother, instilled in her a love of cooking and a depth of experience with different flavours from a young age, while Scott’s cooking has been largely influenced by his Thai wife, Kae, who is a caterer.

“I couldn’t think of a better way for travellers with a love of food to experience the true culinary spectrum – the exotic tastes and smells offered within this magnificent country – than with the unique perspectives provided by Emily and Scott, and through the hands on experiences offered on the journey,” said Mr Hole.

Likewise, Emily is thrilled to be taking part in Travel Indochina’s culinary tour of Vietnam.
“What better way to enjoy a foreign country than by jumping on board a tour that is specifically designed around local food, produce and culture… and to share the experience with other like-minded, food-obsessed people!” exclaimed Ms Cheung.

“I cannot wait to meet everyone on the tour, hang out with Scotty and enjoy the best that Vietnam has to offer.”

Scott is equally excited about the tour.

“No pleasures collide together better than food, culture and travel,” according to Scott.

“Being able to be part of Travel Indochina’s Vietnam tour and share this experience with others is truly an opportunity I can’t wait to be part of. Having the chance to step behind the curtain of Vietnam and to truly taste and experience the local food and culture is something I am very, very excited about.”

Priced from $2,890 per person twin share or $3,423 single, the escorted tour includes:

• two nights’ accommodation in Hanoi,
• one night in Halong on a private charter boat,
• one night’s accommodation in Hue,
• three nights’ accommodation in Hoi An,
• three nights’ accommodation in Saigon,
• breakfast daily,
• a Dragon Boat trip on the Perfume River in Hue,
• a boat trip in My Tho (Mekong Delta),
• four special cooking events, and
• touring as per the itinerary, including entrance fees

Economy class international and domestic airfare packages with Vietnam Airlines start from $1,280*pp departing Sydney or Melbourne – Hanoi – Hue // Danang – Saigon – Sydney or Melbourne.

Accommodation is from the classic hotel selection used in Travel Indochina’s Small Group Journeys.

So, if you are in Colorado and would like to accompany Emily and Scott on this fantastic Vietnam culinary journey then call  07 55453252 or email info@bbtravel.com.au now! Places on this tour will fill quickly so book now so you don’t miss out!

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

Just a stones throw away from the CBD (you can walk it in about 45 minutes) is the suburb of Glebe. Once known for dockyards and factories Glebe has been transformed into a truly cosmopolitan village overlooking Blackwattle Bay and the Anzac Bridge. In Glebe you will find peace and quiet and lots of great activities.

Find and book tours and activities ahead and have more time for fun in Sydney

Sailing home at the end of the day

Sunset On Blackwattle Bay

More sunset magic on Blackwattle Bay

 

If you are in Colorado why not drop into Sydney and take a visit to Glebe. To take advantage of some great specials and to find lots of things to do in Sydney call 07 55453252 or email info@bbtravel.com.au now!

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

Following the article are some fabulous cruise deals so that you can see for yourself and personally dispel these myths.

Cruises: you either love them, or you hate them. The lovers appreciate the luxurious amenities, round-the-clock pampering and experiencing multiple new (and often exotic) destinations without having to deal with a plane, train or automobile.

MS Oosterdam luxury

As for the haters, many who claim cruises aren’t for them have probably never actually taken one, thinking cruises aren’t their style or don’t allow for a true experience of the local cultures in the various ports of call.

But ask any avid cruiser and they’ll tell you that none of this is true. While you could easily spend all your time on board the ship, enjoying all the comforts of home (and way more), the only thing stopping you from having incredible, unforgettable experiences in port are your own misconceptions about cruise travel.

And so, here’s the real story behind five common myths about cruise travel.

5. Cruises Are For Seniors

False! According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA; www.cruising.org) the average cruiser is 49, with more than 25% of all cruisers age 40 or younger. It’s easy to do a little research and find the cruise that’s right for you: different cruise lines, ships and even different routes can attract varied groups of travelers. Some will be more popular with families while others may attract a younger singles crowd. A little pre-trip planning can ensure the right fit.

4. Cruises Are Boring

False, again! Shuffleboard and bridge have been replaced (or at least joined) by rock climbing, ice skating, skeet shooting, cooking lessons, wine tastings and even golfing.

Meet new friends

And then there are ports of call and shore excursions (the ships are great but the destinations are the real reason we travel). Like liquor and gambling, shore excursions are a real money maker for the cruise lines, and they want you to believe they’re the only game in town. But in fact, there are alternatives to booking excursions with the cruise ship that you can — and should — consider when planning your shore excursions. Booking a tour on the dock can save you some cash in certain instances, but it’s a riskier option as nothing is guaranteed (from service to experience to getting back to the ship in time). Booking with a reputable travel site is a better bet, giving you more control of what you’ll do in port and how much you’ll pay for it, as well as access to reviews and photos. From traditional excursions to private guides, there are great options to the cruise ship fare.

The sardines are in the water, not packed tightly onto the ship. Staterooms typically accommodate anywhere from four to eight people — enough for an entire family to stretch out and relax comfortably. If the mega-ships don’t appeal to you, there are small ship cruises that can accommodate a few hundred people or just a few dozen, and many can go where the big ships can’t, leading to a more intimate experience in port as well.

2. Cruises Make You Fat

While the all-you-can-eat buffets are tempting, spas, gyms, yoga classes and workout groups are just as plentiful on the open seas as on land these days, not to mention the opportunities for active experiences in port to stretch the legs and challenge the body.

Dining pleasures abound

Depending on the destination, anything from hiking the coastal cliffs of Italy or the rainforest trails of Puerto Rico to ziplining, horseback riding, glacier walking and scuba diving will burn plenty of calories. But then again, no one would blame you for indulging in a pizza making class in Florence.

1. Cruises Aren’t For “Real” Travelers

When the old “traveler vs. tourist” debate begins, the “traveler” will often cite the cruise ship as the domain of the “tourist” — the person who doesn’t truly experience the authenticity of a country or culture, and who prefers the company of his own countrymen and the food of the ship. Others worry that one day in port won’t allow them to really experience a destination.

Discover new places

While there’s a grain of truth to these criticisms — how much can you really experience of the local culture while you’re crammed on a crowded bus or hurrying through a tourist area — the reality is you can have the experience of a local if you plan well. If the major attractions are on your “must-see” list, take advantage of excursions with “skip-the-line” access, then head away from the crowds to see another side of the destination. On a private or small-group excursion you could go wine-tasting in Bordeaux, take a culinary tour of Athens or snorkel on a deserted island in the Caribbean. Even with a short amount of time in your destination, you can learn about the local culture and make memories that will last a lifetime.

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34 Day Australia Circumnavigation*
MS Volendam 21 October, 2012
from $5,999 per person twin share (interior stateroom)
from $6,999 per person twin share (ocean view stateroom)

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MS Oosterdam 7 November, 2012
from $1,799 per person twin share (interior stateroom)
from $1,999 per person twin share (ocean view stateroom)

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16 Day Great Barrier Reef*
MS Volendam 24 November, 2012
from $1,999 per person twin share (interior stateroom)
from $2,199 per person twin share (ocean view stateroom)

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* If you are in Colorado please be aware that all of these super Holland America cruise specials are selling fast so email info@bbtravel.com.au or call 07 55453252 now so you don’t miss out!

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Super Star Libra** 3,7 & 8 night cruises May-December, 2012
Save over 50%

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Super Star Virgo** 3 & 5 night cruises during 2013
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** If you are in Colorado please be aware that all Super Star Libra & Virgo cruise specials are only available until 30 June, 2012 so call 07 55453252 or email info@bbtravel.com.au now!

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- Value world travel beyond the brochure

To book now and take advantage of these great European river cruise savings email info@bbtravel.com.au or call 07 55453252

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Now take a virtual tour of the new all suite ships….

Come on Colorado book now for the trip of a lifetime! Email info@bbtravel.com.au or call 07 5545 3252

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Other European river cruise posts http://www.bbtravel.com.au/getaway-now/take-a-euro-tour-and-cruise-down-the-danube/

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

8 Day Essential Czech Republic Tour

2 Departure dates  20 June & 03 September 2012

From $2495 per person twin share. This price includes 7 nights in 4* or 5* accommodation, all meals, transport on tour, your personal guide and entries.

Day 1: Prague

After arrival in Prague you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After check in at your hotel you may have some afternoon leisure time. Please join us this evening for a traditional Czech welcome dinner and drink.

Dinner included – overnight Art Nouveau Hotel Paris Prague Old Town – 5 star

Old Prague Square

Day 2: Prague

After breakfast we depart on a full day Prague city tour. We will visit Prague Castle (Prazsky Hrad) the residence of Czech kings, St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrala Svateho Vita) within the castle walls, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world and Golden Lane (Zlata Ulicka), a small ancient street with fairy small houses. We will walk down the King’s road including famous Charles Bridge (Karluv Most), Old Town Square (Staromestske Namseti) with the Astronomical Clock (Orloj). Along the way we stop at a
typical Czech restaurant for lunch. We then stroll up Wenceslas Square with its statue of the good King Wenceslas (Vaclav) and visit the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) with Franz Kafka’s birthplace, synagogues and Europe’s oldest surviving Jewish cemetery the tour ends and the evening is at leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included – overnight Art Nouveau Hotel Paris Prague Old Town – 5 star

Prague Castle

Day 3: Prague – Karlovy Vary

After breakfast we depart to one of Europe’s premier spa towns, Karlovy Vary (lit. Charle’s Springs) in the West Bohemia region. In times past frequented by famous figures such as Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Gogol, Goethe, Kafka, Freud and more recently by Hollywood stars such as Robert Deniro and Antonio Banderas just to name a couple, during the annual Karlovy Vary film festival. We will take the funicular railway down to the spa centre of Karlovy Vary and you will have time to explore the town and perhaps have an optional spa treatment^. Karlovy Vary is a place of relaxation so take your time, there is no rush, relax and enjoy the towns curative springs & beautiful architecture.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included – overnight Spa Hotel Imperial Karlovy Vary – Superior 4 star

Day 4: Karlovy Vary – Pilsen – Hluboka

This morning have some free time for perhaps some souvenir shopping in Karlovy Vary. We then begin our journey south towards Hluboka nad Vltavou & Cesky Krumlov and along the way we stop at the famous brewing town of Pilsen (Plzen) renowned worldwide for its brewing method, we visit the Pilsen brewery where we get a chance to sample some local beer and enjoy a traditional lunch. In the evening we arrive at Hluboka Chateau where we check in to our castle style accommodation.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included – overnight Hotel Stekl Hluboka – castle style 4 star

Day 5: Hluboka – Cesky Krumlov – Prague

After breakfast we begin our tour with a guided walk through the beautiful Hluboka Castle, former home of the Schwarzenbergs. Then after a short drive we enjoy the remainder of the day at Cesky Krumlov the 13th century town on the banks of the Vltava river with a detailed visit to Cesky Krumlov Castle, second in size only to Prague Castle. We will also have a chance to explore the quaint streets and enjoy a light lunch at a local tavern. In the afternoon we depart for Prague.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included – overnight Hotel Adria Wenceslas Square – Superior 4 star

Day 6: Prague

Today is your choice touring. You can chose from a number of local tours such as Karlstejn Castle, Glass Factory tour, Terezin concentration camp, Vltava (Moldau) river cruise with lunch and many more, or you can simply use the day as you like perhaps to explore Prague or some souvenir shopping. In the evening you will be treated to a Folklore Dinner Party with traditional Czech music, singing & dancing and a 3 course meal with drinks.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included – overnight Hotel Adria Wenceslas Square – Superior 4 star

The Bone Church, Kutna Hora

Day 7: Prague – Kutna Hora – Prague

After breakfast we depart on a full day tour starting with a visit to the picturesque medieval town of Kutna Hora. During our tour we will visit the impressive Gothic Cathedral of St. Barbara, the Gothic Fountain, Chapel of the body of the Lord, the Archdeacon’s Church of St. James and the Bone Church/Ossuary. After our return to Prague the remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. Join us tonight for our final dinner and drinks.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included – overnight Hotel Adria Wenceslas Square – Superior 4 star

Day 8: Prague

Imagine at the John Lennon wall, Prague

This morning the tour ends and after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport or rail station for departure.
Breakfast included

^Karlovy Vary spa treatments must be pre-booked 2 months prior to tour departure, please ask us for price list of available procedures.

To book this amazing tour email info@bbtravel.com.au or call 07 55453252 right now!

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

The National Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has announced its plans to broadcast the Titanic’s original wireless transmissions in real time on Twitter.

Titanic Museum Belfast

Through Twitter, the National Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will allow people to experience the magnitude of the Titanic disaster through the same wireless messages operators received in 1912.

The feed will start at 11.55pm Newfoundland Standard Time on 14 Apr (12.55pm 15 Apr Sydney time), which was the same time that the original messages started to stream through, following Titanic’s collision with an iceberg. The commemoration via twitter will begin with eight iceberg warnings that proceeded the sinking.

To read the Titanic Tweets, follow the Twitter hash tag #TitanicMMA

The Titanic was built in the shipyards of Belfast, and Ireland is commemorating the ship’s sinking with the Titanic Festival. Focal point of the festival will be the brand new Titanic Belfast Museum which opens on the 31st March. There is also another small museum in the town of Cobh (Queenstown) which is well worth a visit.

If you love things nautical or just history in general Ireland has so much to offer.

Be early to kiss the Blarney Stone

Even the largest cities Dublin and Belfast retain a certain charm of yesteryear and once you get out into the country areas the villages, castles and scenery just take you in.

Why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle

To plan your visit to Ireland just email info@bbtravel.com.au or phone 07 55453252

Cliffs of Mohr, County Clare, Ireland

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

A Voyages To Antiquity cruise aims to open a window into the origins and genius of western civilisation. The journeys are not just about history but involve you with visits to breathtaking archaeological treasures, scenery and amazing Mediterranean food and wine.

We now have selected double cabins open to single passengers with no single supplement on board for the three cruises below! You’ll only pay an additional AU$250 for the included 2-night hotel stays!

These are limited availability offers. Travelling as a couple or on your own, get in touch with us today and join us aboard Aegean Odyssey!

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

There are some experiences that can only be had on a certain type of cruise ship, and the Queen Mary 2 is the great grandmother of those vessels. Boarding in Sydney on Valentine’s Day (a surprise for my
boyfriend), we were in the mood for romance.

Queen Mary 2 on beautiful Sydney Harbour

The ship certainly went out of its way to help, sporting huge red hearts on the side and the funnel, and the now-famous ‘Marry Me Jess’ banner. (However, this ruled out any marriage proposal for me
– how could any man compete with that!) But we had our own special moment, which started in the corridor and finished up on a leather lounge with a cigar.

It was late at night, between bars, and we were trying to find a quiet spot for a cognac. We asked a well-dressed man for directions and then complimented him on his bowtie. My boyfriend had tried
and failed to tie his own, so this British gentleman offered to assist, with a quick lesson in the corridor.
When this failed, they decided to try again over a drink at Churchill’s.

A couple of scotches later, he had mastered the bowtie, I’d learnt how to light a cigar, and we all shared stories of past voyages until midnight.

It was a simple but memorable encounter with a fellow passenger – who, by the way, has sailed on the QM2 nine times and refuses to try another ship. This dedication is understandable, for the QM2 is not like other ships.

No, it is not the most luxurious, and is actually very casual in the main areas. (If you want five-star, book a Princess or Queens Grille suite.) But it is one of the biggest and grandest and feels very British.

The afternoon tea is a perfect example of its traditions, complete with white-gloved waiters and a string quartet, the quintessential crust-free cucumber sandwiches and scones with jam and cream.
Although afternoon tea is found on other lines, it somehow feels more elegant and genuine on Cunard (despite being owned by Carnival, an American company).

And that’s the thing about the QM2: you come on board in a different frame of mind, feeling a little classy, if you’re honest, and looking forward to a once-in-a-lifetime cruise. It still has a buffet, it still has people in shorts and jeans, but if you seek out your own style of fun or luxury, you can’t go wrong. If all else fails, head to Churchill’s.

Queen Mary 2 and the barque Endeavour

Australian domination On its inaugural circumnavigation of Australia, QM2’s mix of nationalities was shaken up with a record number of Aussies on board — triple the Brits. My departure from Sydney had: 1,543 Australian passengers, 576 British, 95 American, 60 German, 51 New Zealanders, 36 Canadians,
16 French, 16 Dutch, 10 South African, eight Swiss, seven Irish, four Spanish, four Belgian and four Swedish.

Do you have any tales to tell about sailing on Queen Mary 2? Please leave a comment below!

Bookings
An 18-night voyage from Hong Kong to Sydney, departing 17 February 2013, is priced from $3,209 per person twin-share, including two days in Hong Kong and Shanghai and calls to Cairns and Brisbane.

I hope you enjoyed the Queen Mary 2 review. Now to book your Queen Mary 2 or any other Cunard Line adventure just email info@bbtravel.com.au

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

To book an incredible Holland America Alaskan cruise email info@bbtravel.com.au now

Legendary and beautiful scenery of Alaska- magnificent coastal fjords, rugged glaciers, vast evergreen forests, sky-high mountains, 7 of which are the tallest peaks in North America (to see Mt. McKinley, North America’s tallest peak, you’ll need to take a tour to the shore into the Denali National Park).

Abundant land and marine wildlife- moose, kodiak and grizzly bears, caribou, dall sheep, puffin, otters, seals, humpback and killer whales, dolphins, bald-headed eagles and much more.

Shore excursions are optional, as well as guided tours in a cruise ship’s port of call. They are offered in all Alaska ports and cities and are a great way to enrich your cruise experience with visiting coastal attractions, historical places, challenging yourself in kayaking, helicopter tours, or maybe mountain biking.

Cruise length is 7 days on average. There are some 11 and 14 day cruises which include more ports of call and more glacier touring. There are 2 different kinds of cruises available:

Inside Passage Cruise: roundtrip departure from Vancouver/ Seattle, usually 7 days long. You cruise the inside passage through the islands offshore from British Columbia and Alaska. Stops usually include Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway and Juneau.

Gulf of Alaska Cruise (or Glacier Route Cruise): You cruise one-way northbound from Vancouver/ Seattle or one-way south from Seward, Alaska. You will see more glaciers on this route and an additional port or two.

The usual Alaska cruise season runs from early May to late September. Alaskan summers are cool, daytime highs in these months range from 10 to 27 degrees Celsius (50 to 80 Fahrenheit). May and June tend to be the drier months, July is the warmest one. June and July are the best months to watch Humpback and Orca whales and White-Sided dolphins.

An additional bonus to an Alaskan cruise is that in summer the days are much longer than they are further south. This is the land of the midnight sun. Your longest days will be in June and July (up to 20-21 hours of daylight) and will offer you many opportunities to enjoy active glaciers. Early and late season cruises (May and September) tend to be slightly cheaper and the ports of call are less crowded.

The view on your Alaskan cruise is always changing- mountains, shores, wildlife, marine animals, glaciers, or quaint waterfront communities, it is all there for you to enjoy.

Related blog post

http://www.bbtravel.com.au/getaway-now/alaska-cruising-sights-and-tips/

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

If this is how you have planned your holiday for things to do in New York  then you could be missing out on some really amazing and unique activities.

You just have to venture off Manhattan Island and across the Brooklyn bridge to uncover some hidden treasures like:

The Brooklyn Bridge itself – the best way to appreciate it is to walk across – you won’t be disappointed and it only takes about a 30 minutes easy stroll!

Take a Slice Of Brooklyn Pizza tour – discover all the pizza delights from trendy Brooklyn Heights to the iconic Coney Island (you can still ride the Cyclone roller coaster during the summer months) and everywhere in between.Thin pizza or thick pizza, granita and gelato can all be found and tasted along the way and you may even enjoy a game of bocce at the indoor bocce court.

Check out cosmopolitan Atlantic Avenue. Here you will find a mixture of middle Eastern spice stores right next door to fabulous Vietnamese restaurants intermingled with upmarket bars and lounges.

The Brooklyn Museum has the 2nd largest art collection in the USA and has a huge amount of their exhibits out on display. If you are lucky and happen to be in Brooklyn on the first Saturday of the month the museum throws open the doors for lots of fun and partying.

If you want to get off the beaten path in Brooklyn and find some really special things to do in New York, just email info@bbtravel.com.au to get the best airfares and a personalised itinerary put together by our NYC specialist consultant.

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

Etihad Airways has prepared two magnificent mixed cabin offerings to cater to all tastes.

When travelling to Europe you can fly in Pearl business class between Australia and the United Arab Emirates(UAE), then in Coral Economy to your final destination. Or you can travel in Diamond
first class from Australia to the UAE and then Pearl business class to your final destination.

Fly in comfort and luxury to 15 European destination.

Combined Pearl Business Class and Coral Economy class from $5,920 + taxes
Combined Diamond First Class with Pearl Business Class from $7,990 + taxes.

Email us now info@bbtravel.com.au to take advantage of these great airfares

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

Value world travel can take you all over the world! Image via Wikipedia

Anyone who has travelled the world will no doubt be capable of boring you to tears with their endless stories and descriptions of exotic places. That said, there’s no doubt that travelling the world is certainly a life-enhancing experience and one that will change you forever. There is one problem of course – the money. Flights, accommodation and food can soon add up, putting many people off the idea altogether. However, finding value world travel options such as those below, that don’t put such an enormous strain on the purse strings will enable you to visit both near, and far off locations.
Watch Someone’s House

If you are lucky, there may be someone in one of the locations you want to visit who are going on holiday at the same time as you. If that is the case, they may want to find somebody who can take care of their house for them while they are away. You won’t be paid anything for your service, but you will save money on accommodation as you live in their house for free. Although this is a good idea for anyone looking to stay in the same place, it may not be beneficial for those who want to travel around while in another country. You may also be expected to pay the bills while you are there or look after any pets.

Visit Twinned Cities

Look into whether your local town or city is twinned with any others across the globe. If so, you may be able to set up an exchange with the families that live there. Again, you will get accommodation for free and will also get the added benefit of actually spending time with the people who live in the area – just make sure you are prepared to have them stay at your own house when the time comes.

Check Your Airline Options

Most airlines and travel companies will offer special deals on ‘round the world’ tickets. The tickets may be a large initial financial outlay (sometimes a few thousand dollars), but will often provide you with free air travel on certain airlines for the rest of the year. In the end, these deals work out much cheaper than buying individual flights as and when you need them.

Take Up English Teaching

Countries all over the world that do not speak English as a first language are constantly crying out for people to visit and impart their knowledge on the local population. These programs can either take the form of teaching children in schools and impoverished communities, although there are also many other programs where families will pay for your food for the duration of your stay. In return, you will be required to set some time aside and help them learn English, although this is often only for a few hours a week. Not only will this provide you with some life-long memories, but it can also be a great skill to put on your CV for future employment.

Take Free Tours

If you are looking to save money once you are away, you could do worse than using a ‘greeter’. This is a scheme that is proving popular across America where locals meet with travellers and give them guided tours of their local community. The tours are completely free, meaning you will learn some interesting facts about local culture without having to worry about the cost.

Work For Your Travel

There are also a variety of schemes and placements that see people take up temporary jobs in a foreign country. These jobs can range from working on farms, fruit plantations and even sailing boats, so you will be sure to find a job that suits you somewhere in the world. Although you are working you will not be paid in cash (rather you will be supplied with food and board), so you will still need to take travel money with you for when you want additional extras.

Being limited by a budget, no longer means that you have to limit your choice of ideal locations when travelling. There are a wide variety of ingenious and fun ways so that you can get out and see the world without having to have thousands and thousands in the bank. If you are on a budget, but are willing to do some work, perform a couple of favours and repay some kindnesses shown to you, you will find world value travel that will take you to almost any location in the world.

Related articles

• Value World Travel Before 15 February 2012 (bbtravel.com.au)
• A Travel Tip Or Two When Getting Off The Beaten Path (bbtravel.com.au)

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

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Stunning Samoa! Flights from $651 and packages from $891

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Time for relaxation

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Europe 2012 Early bird Flight Sale. Return fares from $1611pp!

Last Chance to book! Expedia Europe 2012 Early bird Flight Sale. Return fares from $1611pp! – Expires 5/3/2012

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Uncover Melbourne’s Secrets!

Uncover Melbourne’s Secrets with Huge Hotel & Holiday Discounts! Book now! – Expires 15/2/12

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Las Vegas Madness Sale!

Las Vegas Madness! Flights + 3 nights from only $1104! – Expires 7/2/2012

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For more information just email info@bbtravel.com.au

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

Summer Sale Now on! Huge Hotel, Flight and Holiday Savings!

Summer Sale Now on! Huge Hotel, Flight and Holiday Savings! Sale Ends 31st January, Book Now! – Expires 31/01/12

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Bali Break! 3 nights Hotel + Flights from $512

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Save up to 60% on New York Hotels!

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Europe 2012 Early bird Flight Sale! Fares from $1611!

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Las Vegas Madness! Flights + 5 nights from only $1242!

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Las Vegas Getaway Image via Wikipedia

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- Value world travel beyond the brochure

On a euro tour you will see different cultures merge into one another as you cross the many borders that carve up the continent. With so much history, varied landscapes, and some of the greatest cities in the world, river cruising in Europe is one of the best ways to see it all. It’s understandable that river cruises may not be the first thing you think of when planning a holiday, but if you want to get the most out of a euro tour it’s a great way to see the countryside and cities. If you are considering river cruising in Europe, sailing down the River Danube has to be one of the best experiences available.

Within Europe the River Danube is second only to the River Volga in length, measuring just over 1750 miles in total. It starts in Germany, and flows through eight different countries before it empties its water into the Black Sea. It winds through 26 major cities from its source up until its estuary, and 4 of those are capital cities. Residents of Vienna in Austria, Bratislava in Slovakia, Budapest in Hungary, and Belgrade in Serbia all see the River Danube as their city’s river. With all this to offer, it’s no wonder a boat trip down the Danube is one of the most popular choices for river cruising in Europe. Read on to see what to expect on a euro tour which takes you on a cruise along the Danube.

Vienna

Vienna is sometimes called ‘The City of Dreams,’ because it was the early home of the famous psychologist Sigmund Freud, until he fled to Britain to escape Nazism. The Danube cuts straight through the city, but most of its tourist attractions can be found on the west bank of the river. Over a quarter of Austria’s entire population live within Vienna’s metropolitan area, and has ranked first in a worldwide survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit to determine which city offers the best quality of life. It’s a city that has to be visited by anyone on a Euro tour, and one attraction you shouldn’t miss is the oldest zoo in the world at Tiergarten Schönbrunn.

Bratislava

Bratislava is the largest city in Slovakia, and home to some great museums, art galleries, and theatres. It is the cultural hub of Slovakia, and unique because of the large influence of other nearby nations, like Czechs, Hungarians, and Austrians. As you approach the city along the Danube you will be able to see Bratislava Castle up above on the horizon. The site of the castle has used by people since the Stone ages, and there have been a variety of different style castles built over the centuries. The latest castle was rebuilt in the 1950’s to replicate its former 17^th century style after it lay in ruins for almost 150 years.

Budapest

Before Budapest became Budapest, it was actually two different settlements that were on either side of the River Danube. On the west bank of the river was a place called Buda, and on the east bank was a place called Pest. In 1873 they merged together to create the capital city of Budapest. One of this city’s nicknames is the ‘Pearl of Danube,’ and it is home to a large World Heritage Site close to the river’s bank. Mooring up here will give you chance to stroll along the impressive Danube promenade and take in the sight of Buda castle. You should also visit Margaret Island, a large island park surrounded by the Danube, where you can practice sports to keep fit or party with the locals on a summer weekend.

Belgrade

The Serbian capital is a strategic city that has a long history of battles being fought over it. Attila the Hun ransacked the area around Belgrade way back in 442, and as recently as 1999 the city was bombed by NATO planes. Despite the conflict that has affected the city throughout its history, Belgrade is the cultural hub of the country. If you are lucky enough to be in Belgrade when the Belgrade Film Festival, also known as FEST, is on you might catch a glimpse of some Hollywood stars. In the past famous actors like Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, and Kirk Douglas have attended the festival. Look out for the barges along the Danube as you cruise into the city. These offer great places for anyone to drink and be merry after dark, and Belgrade is regarded as having some of the best nightlife in Europe.

What do you have to do next? You can book your own Danube euro tour right here!

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Literally fit for royalty, Hua Hin is the summer getaway for Thailand’s ruling monarchy. About two to three hours away from Bangkok by coach, many locals also now use the beach side resort town for their weekend holidays.

Hua Hin adventure Image via Wikipedia

With development throttled by Royal Decree, and no building to go up beyond three stories unless it has special permission, Hua Hin has managed to retain its traditional laid-back, seaside character

The ‘oldest’ resort town in Thailand, it still only sees around 90,000 residents calling the area home, and without an airport connection, there’s a tranquility to the area not seen in more built up regions like Phuket.

Hua Hin’s idyllic white-sand beaches are a sight to behold, running 5kms long, it is rumoured to be one of the reasons why King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) built his summer palace, Wang Klai Kang Won “Far from Worries”, in 1928.

Hua Hin, can not only boast to be the holiday town of the Royals, but also has another claim to fame. The township and surrounds is home to the highest density of world class golf courses anywhere in Thailand.

In this backdrop of relaxation, the ‘spa culture’ in Hua Hin is worth a mention. Whilst Thailand is renowned for its wellness tourism, the spa experience is forefront in a complete Hua Hin itinerary.

Home to arguably the world’s best spa, consistently named in Condé Nast’s top three and awarded Luxury Travel’s Best Spa in the World in 2008, Chiva-som has seen a whole slew of the rich of famous step through their doors. Said to be Hollywood’s favourite spa property, Chiva-som doesn’t come without a price tag.

Of course, unwinding in Hua Hin doesn’t have to bankrupt a travellers account, with most hotels and resorts offering either an in-house spa or access to spa facilities – or travellers can be a little more adventurous and try out the array of massage parlours in the township.

To ensure that your travel adventure is as exciting as you want it to be, you should plan ahead. Go to visitor centers in the area and pick up brochures for attractions that interest you. Of course, one of the best ways to research and plan your trip is the internet.

The Hua Hin night markets are worth a look as well, while not as bountiful as Bangkok’s block-wide sprawls, they have a character of their own – and many locals believe that souvenirs such as silk and carvings can be purchased here cheaper than in the capital – of course, bargaining is essential.

From relaxed three-star beach front properties, to the decked-out five-star locations that are almost a township in themselves, Hua Hin has a property to suit every budget – with even the higher end of town ‘cheap’ compared to average global rates.

For business travel, Hua Hin can cater for small to medium sized events without a hitch. With bigger properties able to room guests in the hundreds, have plenty of meeting space, and outdoor and wellness activities galore.

With spectacular sunrises over the water, and the steep backdrops of the Prachuap Khiri Khan in the distance, Hua Hin is the perfect traditional Thai beach side experience away from the modern day Rat Race and just the place to ease yourself into adventure and the travel challenges for 2012.

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Travel can be a great pastime and passion. You can travel to another state or another country, it’s all up to you where you want to go. There is always something new to see and new adventures to be had especially if you get off the beaten path. This article can help you to find ways to make the most of your desire to travel.

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Do not forget to drink a lot of water when you are on the plane. It is important that you maintain hydration so that you can feel refreshed and comfortable from the inside out when traveling. Also, it is essential to digest your food properly, especially if you have a long flight.

When traveling overseas, hang on to your receipts for credit card purchases. When you file them, date them and note the purpose of the purchase. When you get home, you have an easy way to reconcile your statement with the money you spent. This will make it much easier to spot any fraudulent charges.

If you have never even traveled within your own country then you may want to hold off on going to a foreign country which speaks another language. There are some real skills associated with travel in general and you will want to develop the basic ones before you jump in head first.

Keep all your important travel documents orgnised in one place such as a file folder for easy access when traveling. Having everything at your fingertips will save you from fumbling around to find your airline ticket, passport, car rental documents, etc.

When packing toiletries for your carry-on, make sure to follow the 3-1-1 rule (85ml or 3 oz bottles, 1 large sandwich or quart-sized Ziploc for each passenger). Having your toiletries ready to go in a designated bag will make getting through security a breeze and have you on your way to your destination in no time.

As it was said above, traveling is a great pastime as well as a passion for many people. The places that you can travel to are infinite. No place is the same if you visit it twice. By using even one travel tip in this article, you can make the most of your traveling and find enjoyable ways to make it easier than ever.

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Here is a little bit of Christmas Trivia!

Santa commenced his current career when he was Bishop Nicholas of Smyrna (Izmir) in what is now Turkey during the 4th century AD. The tradition started when in order to give joy to poor children he would throw gifts in through their windows. Since then business has grown substantially and the territory has expanded to cover the whole world.

Based for a while at the North Pole, Santa moved in 1925 to Korvatunturi in the Finnish Lapland, where there is better feed for his eight reindeer. He travels on a daily basis to Napapiiri, near Rovaniemi, where he has his main office, and spends the day listening to what children want for Christmas.

The internet has impacted on the way Santa receives the requests from children for gifts with a lot more request by email and less by regular mail now. This has assisted the elves with their processing of the requests, and the mass production of the most popular toys.

The current economic climate has had an affect on the demand for some of the more expensive gifts, however Santa believes that over a period of time this will change. “I have seen it all before, and these economic times tend to be cyclical,” he said.

Despite the advent of jet aircraft, Santa – the worlds’ greatest traveler, has not had any change in his mode of transport. It is still the same eight reindeer that haul him and his sleigh full of gifts around every country in the world every year on the night of the 24th December. It is more in the nature of the gifts that Santa has noticed the big changes having gone from simple hand-made wooden toys early in his career to far more sophisticated electronic toys now. That, and the decline in the number of new houses that are being built with a chimney, his traditional means of access to the home. One change that he has enjoyed however has been the variety of different beers that are left out for him. They help to keep his nose nice and red, although he thinks that Rudolph may also have been sampling some of the treats left.

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Image via Wikipedia

I guess the above and anything else DAM was the catch cry for our Mexican Riviera cruise on Holland America Line’s the Oosterdam.

Classic, cultured, sophisticated and wonderful service probably sums up the Oosterdam. From the subdued navy and white on the outside to the elegant decorations and jaw dropping Waterford crystal globe centrepiece in the Atrium, and roomy comfortable staterooms on the inside, the Oosterdam is class all the way.

The check in was smooth and efficient.  Greeted by staff at the ship’s entrance you were immediately made to feel at home and after a quick guided tour we settled into a great buffet lunch at the Lido restaurant – the start of many gastronomic delights during the week.

The combination of 3 days sailing and 3 days in port was great, giving the best of both worlds – plenty of time to experience Mexico and its culture and to make the most of the ship and all it had to offer whilst cruising.

Booking of shore excursions was our first piece of ‘work’ the hardest part was deciding what to do in our 3 ports of call.  I opted for going out of town in Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos, a charming oasis town and mission. A bonus was an authentic Mexican lunch at the Hotel California (the inspiration for the Eagles’ well known song).

Second port of call Mazatlan, my favourite! Again I experienced the genuine Mexico visiting the Sierra Madre mountains and the villages of Concordia and Copala (very unique with its cobble stone streets and colonial lamp posts).  This tour also gives you the chance to see local artisans working and of course to purchase some of their wonderful offerings.

Puerto Vallarta our third port and the most well known to tourists had a wonderful ‘old town’ area and here I decided to try my hand at some Mexican cooking on the ‘Taste of Mexico’ tour. Our tour took us firstly on a walk through the town itself and then to a restaurant where we made and then ate our lunch – very good I must say!

On board ship you could either find a corner all by yourself or otherwise occupy your whole day with the many activities on offer.  I became a bit of a bingo fanatic (I had not been to a bingo game in about 40 years) urged on by my fellow cruisers who on one occasion actually were calling out BINGO for me when all my numbers came up. Another of the favourite activities were the Trivia sessions, we made up a team – Team Oz, but struggled a bit when it came to questions like “name the running back who was MVP for the finals in 1983?” Our first question was “what is a running back? They did however in one session ask questions about cricket and New Zealand so we scored 2 points there.

For the more serious gamblers there is a casino, there are also many bars to sit and savour the view, have a drink, or listen to a great tune. There is a library and games room, a huge internet café so you can keep in touch with family and friends, a gymnasium with an awesome view for the fitness fanatics ( I stuck to the walking track on the promenade deck). There were art auctions and art history talks, tours of the ship’s kitchen and cooking demonstrations – amazing, and the 2 indulgence areas, the Green House Day Spa – bliss, and the Dam Signature shops – bliss for me but not for the credit card.

Children are not forgotten with Club HAL. The club caters for 3 – 12 year olds and offers all sorts of wonderful entertainment. The kids absolutely love it and it also gives Mums and Dads a chance to have some time out as well.

The highlights on the Oosterdam included:

• The wonderful staterooms – large and cheerful with excellent furnishings and extremely comfortable beds and a room attendant who delighted us with his animals made using bath and hand towels.

• Dinner in the Vista Dining room, with exceptional staff who really ‘made’ the cruise with their friendly interaction and magician’s tricks.

• Dining in the 5* Pinnacle Grill again with fabulous staff.

• Top class entertainers in the Vista Lounge including the Oosterdam’s show cast, Las Vegas magicians, comedienne and Australia’s very own virtuoso piano and vocal entertainer Shelly White ( we became Shelly’s very own cheer squad, Aussie style).

Holland America Line definitely has the wow factor. I found the Oosterdam to be one of the best cruise ships I have sailed on, and knowing that all the HAL fleet are very similar in style and fit out and offer the same wonderful experience, there are obviously lots of places around the world still left to cruise to.

Want to take your own Mexican Riviera cruise? To book just email info@bbtravel.com.au

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Alaska cruising Image via Wikipedia

It is always great to have some insider knowledge before you go Alaska cruising and following are some useful tips.

1. Northern weather can be unpredictable so consider taking with you and wearing multiple layers of clothes in cater for a wide variety of temperatures and weather conditions.

2. Pack a waterproof and warm jacket, a sweater, light gloves, rain gear, sun glasses and a warm hat for deck strolling or touring on the shore. You also may find useful binoculars, camera, camcorder, film, batteries and walking shoes. If you need a hair dryer, pack one as not all cruise ships have hair dryers in the cabins(you can always check this when booking your Alaskan cruise).

3. Select the cruise ship for your style. Some ships are more traditional, others more stylish, elegant, some offer more choices for children, others are more seniors-oriented.  Check your cruise itinerary, almost every ship includes several formal dress code nights. Dark business suit or a tuxedo would do the thing. Alaska cruises tend to be more casual than other destinations but anything too casual like  cutoff t-shirts, halter neck tops and torn jeans are still not permitted in the dining areas. Tipping is usually around $10 per passenger per day depending on the cruise line.

Alaska cruising gives you a complete holiday. Unpack once and then just enjoy the scenery!

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About the county

Italy, the birthplace of pasta and pizza provides a wide range of choices for artwork lovers to experience. A temperate climate exists there with very hot summers and not so cold winters. The weather is the best in spring and autumn with pleasant temperatures and scenic views. At that time of the year, the place isn’t crowded much and tours of Italy can be enjoyed at your leisure.  In case of emergency call 112. For fire call 115 and for ambulance call 118.

Culture

Italian is widely spoken and is the official language. English isn’t very familiar to the locals. Family ties are of utmost importance here and hence social courtesies mean a lot to the locals. There is a great impact of the Roman Catholic Church on the culture here. There is a high content of chlorine in tap waters, so bottled water is recommended for staying healthy during your trip. Since Italian is spoken on a wide scale, it is highly recommended to learn a few common Italian phrases which can be of great use. Social gatherings call for formal wear, but one can dress casually otherwise. At some religious places, sleeveless shirt and shorts are frowned upon, so they are better avoided. Purses and wallets should be well guarded and in case of any theft, police should be informed about the incident.

Site Seeing

History abounds at every turn in Italy. At places like museums and art galleries, photography, especially flash photography is restricted. Check at the ticket counter for more information. The best way to discover Italy is on foot. This way you will get a thorough viewing of all the beautiful buildings and monuments. Coaches and trains are a good option to get to a tourist spot. A great option for moving all over Italy is on local trains (Trenitalia) or the high speed intercity trains.

Shopping

Shops here are open from 9am to 8pm, closed for lunch. Quality of goods is great although the prices can be high. Items like crystals, lacework, leather goods, and jewellery are good buys. Remember to hold on to the receipt. Tipping of 10% is customary along with a service tax levied on the bill. Italy is famous for top clothing designers, so do buy clothes and accessories to update your wardrobe. Cruises have formal gatherings in the evening, so ensure to buy a cocktail dress or some formal wear, though casuals can be worn at other times.

Electricity

The voltage used is 220 volts and 50 Hz frequency.

Getting there

Alitalia is the national airline of Italy.  Many other flights connect to Italy from Australia and there is big competition to attract passengers giving a wide range of offers to travelers including round the world flights.  Rome airport is located 26 km away from the city and it takes 45 minutes to get there from the airport.  Trains connect directly to Termini Station from where you can take a taxi to get to your accommodation or other destination. Duty free shops, banks, car hire and restaurants are the other services provided at this airport. Milan also has an international airport which is 45km away from the city.

Brindisi, Ancona, Naples and Venice are the major seaports of Italy. Italian State Railways connects many European cities. But, Eurostar provides the fastest train service.

If choosing to drive, don’t forget to carry an international driving license and international insurance certificate. Roads connect Italy to France, Austria and Switzerland. Many coach services are provided from the neighboring countries.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco
2. 2litre of wine and 1litre of spirits (over 22 per cent) or 2litre of fortified or sparkling wine
3. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract (if over 15 years of age)
4. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
5. Gifts not exceeding €89.96 (if entering from an EU country), €175 (if entering from a non-EU country).

All information is correct as at June 2010 but always make sure to check all details before you travel.

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Painless packing is what everyone strives for but not necessarily always attains. Following are some great travel packing tips for making the very start of your holiday as pain free as possible.

Make sure you always have a plan of attack!

Avoid over packing by making a list at least 2 days before your departure. Choose pieces that do double duty for both day and evening. Now I know it’s hard but don’t take more than 3 pairs of shoes (including the ones on your feet) and yes that includes the guys as well.

Wrinkles appear not only on your face!

“Bundle wrapping” keeps clothes crease free. Start with a small rectangular parcel of socks or underwear and wrap your clothing around that, building on each layer. Start loading clothes into your bag. Items closest to the centre should be made from material that doesn’t wrinkle, like knits.

Do I have to take it!

Call or google your hotel and check to see which amenities they provide – if they have it don’t even think about taking it. Or, think about investing in a travel hairdryer and iron, which don’t weigh down your luggage.

There you have it, some simple travel packing tips to get your holiday off to a great start!

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Phuket has a new artificial coral reef and you can now enjoy great diving as part of your Phuket holiday.

The new diving site is located off Bang Tao Bay, in Phuket’s Talang district. In 16-18 meters deep water a fleet of old and unused aircraft which used to belong to the Thai airforce have been sunk into the sand bed about one kilometre away from the natural coral reef and Bang Tao Beach.

The sunken aircraft had been used heavily during World War I and the Vietnam War. This in a way, lends the diving site a great sense of historical value, apart from physical attractiveness.

So now on top of the great Phuket resorts, beaches, shopping and nightlife that can be enjoyed on
a Phuket holiday you can now add Phuket diving to the list of activities.

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Hawaii Holidays are one of the best holidays that you can undertake. There is a huge range of Hawaii accommodation to choose from as well as a huge range of activities. Here are 10 of the best activities I have found on my visits to Hawaii. Remember, there are several islands that make up Hawaii and all of them have special activities. The goal is for you to have the most fun possible and enjoy your Hawaiian holiday.

Hawaii Activity #1 Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay, on the island of Oahu, boasts an amazing coral reef that is simply out of this world. There are many fish species that call Hanauma Bay and the coral reef their home, which makes for incredible snorkeling. In fact, so many people snorkel at Hanauma Bay that it often gets quite crowded. So, if you want to snorkel you should get there early or find out which days are the slowest in order to enjoy this fabulous experience.

Hawaii Activity #2 Hawaii Volcanoes

The Volcanoes National Park on the main island of Hawaii is out of this world. When you visit this park you will encounter 330,000 acres preserved for hiking and the like, as well as Mona Lau volcano that is dormant and the active, lava flowing Kilauea volcano. You will be impressed to see the red, hot glow of lava oozing out of this volcano. Spend a few hours or even a few days in The Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii Activity #3 Maui Drive

Take the road from the Kahului Airport all the way to Hana and you will pass over countless bridges, enjoy the beautiful landscape where you will see pineapples growing and proceed through the tropical rainforest where other amazing fruits grow in addition to eucalyptus trees (just like home). It takes several hours to make this short drive, but near the end you will be blessed with the vision of black sand beaches that are simply astonishing in their beauty. When you finally end up in Hana you can enjoy excursions to waterfalls as well as great hikes.

Hawaii Activity #4 Waimea Canyon
Located on the island of Kauai the Waimea Canyon is simply a breathtaking experience. The canyon is so large and colourful that Mark Twain dubbed it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” You will love
the adventure and scenery so you must include this on your “to do” list.

Hawaii Activity # 5 Waikiki Beach

If you are looking for a luxurious resort and a relaxing beach, then Waikiki Beach is the place for you. There are many resorts located right on the foreshore of Waikiki which was made popular in the 1800s by Hawaiian royalty who frequented the area. There are many standards of accommodation from budget ( a few blocks back) to luxurious right on the beachfront.

Hawaii Activity #6 Kona

The Kona coast on the big island of Hawaii is a great resort location and its beaches are fabulous for sun bathing and other beach activities, as well as fishing and even snorkeling. As a result, many people holiday here because there are so many activities available in one place. There are also coffee plantations that produce the natural and organic Kona coffee and there are tours available to see how coffee is grown, processed, and ultimately packaged and sold. Whatever you decide to do, Kona has a lot of options.

Hawaii Activity # 7 Na’Pali Coast

The island of Kauai boasts the Na’Pali Coast which is one of nature’s wonders. The towering cliffs originate on the ocean’s floor and ascend from the water to create amazing gorges created by waterfalls streaming down over centuries and eroding the stone. You can hike to the Na’Pali coast, but you would need to allow a full day to do this, there are however other options available including boat tours and helicopter rides that will also allow you to reach Na’Pali without so much effort.

Hawaii Activity #8 Iao Valley

This cloud covered valley on the island of Maui provides a historical lesson for tourists because this flourishing valley was the home to the agricultural god, Lono, and during feast week the Hawaiians all
join together in the Iao Valley to honour Lono. You will be amazed at the shape of the valley and the general feeling you have of history when you visit this amazing place on Maui.

Hawaii Activity #9 Go Whale Watching

Whale watching can be a spectacular experience so you should definitely include this in your itinerary. There are whale watching tours that can be booked from Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, or Maui. You should book in advance, however, because these tours fill quickly and are not available year round!

Hawaii Activity #10 Luau

When people think of Hawaii the first thing that comes to mind is the luau. As a result, when you visit the islands you absolutely must attend a Polynesian luau to top off your holiday. You will enjoy
the food, music, dance, and sites of the luau and it will be an experience that will stay with you long after your holiday ends.

When you visit the islands you will not have enough time to do all the amazing activities waiting for you. So, you should pick the ones you find most interesting and save the rest for other Hawaii Holidays.

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The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe bordering Poland to the north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east. The capital of Czech Republic is Prague which is also the biggest city and a popular tourist destination.  Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, Olomouc, , České Budějovice, Zlín, Hradec Králové, Ústí nad Labem, Pardubice and Karlovy Vary are the other important cities of Czech Republic.  There are 2 distinct cultural and geographic regions, Bohemia and Moravia. Bohemian cities and towns are popular for their spas and wine vineyards. It is also home to many castles which are open for visitors. One of the other tourism attractions is the availability of hundreds of miles of marked trails for hiking, cycling and skiing.

In Prague, tourism is very strong and there are many things to see and do including:

The Castle District (Hradèany) – It has some of the best churches and museums. It also has some beautiful gardens, fortifications and state apartments also.

St Vitus Cathedral – It is located in the Castle District, the prominent feature of this cathedral is the spires which soar high in the sky. It is also country’s largest church with great architecture.

Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) – This is one of the most popular tourist spots of the city and should not be missed.

Old Town Square (Staromĕstské Námestí) – It is the most vibrant square of Prague with many historical structures. It also hosts various markets every year like yearly Christmas market.

The Jewish Museum – It is the largest Jewish Museum in Central Europe with a vast collection of Judaic art works.

Vyšehrad – Is a great hill fort built on a rock above the river.

At the moment there is a fabulous 8 day tour taking in Prague and other highlights of Czech Republic departing from Prague in September, 2011.

You can download the pdf here or see details below:

8 DAY ESCORTED TOUR OF PRAGUE & CZECH REPUBLIC

Tour Inclusions

• 8 Day Escorted tour of Prague & Czech Republic
• 5 Nights Deluxe Accommodation in Prague
• 1 Night stay in castle accommodation (Hluboka near Cesky Krumlov)
• 1 Night stay in Famous Spa Town Karlovy Vary
• Tours of Unesco listed towns of Hluboka, Cesky Krumlov & Kutna Hora
• Full Day Tour of Prague including Prague Castle in Detail
• Choice of visit to Karlstejn Castle or Vltava River Cruise with Lunch
• Prague Folklore Dinner party
• All meals
• Airport Transfers
• Services of a Professional Guide Throughout

$2,995 p/p twin share

$500 OFF per couple when you book Emirates to Europe

Conditions: Departure from Prague 5 September 2011.  Airfares not included.  To receive $500 per couple discount, you must book Emirates Airlines flights to Europe with Check Us Out Travel.  A non-refundable tour deposit of $500 per person must be received within 7 days of reservation, Flights must be fully paid within 21 days of confirmation.  Final payment no later than 90 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. These conditions should be read in conjunction with terms and conditions on the Check Us Out Travel brochure.

To book this fabulous tour of Prague and Czech Republic:

Email:      bb@checkusouttravel.com.au

Phone in Australia:      1300 794 543   and quote booking code – BB

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

If you travel frequently, then you’re always looking for a travel gadget that make your trip just a little bit easier and more comfortable. Here are some gadgets that you should definitely include in your case.

Do You Speak …?

It’s not always easy to get to grips with a new language, but if you just need a few key phrases to get you started, consider a pocket translator or phrasebook. Available as stand-alone gadgets or mobile applications, these gizmos usually have thousands of useful phrases so that you won’ be lost for words when you travel.

Powering Up

Make sure that you never have to worry about a power failure when you’re on the road by carrying a universal power adapter so you can connect from anywhere. While power supply is not usually a problem for laptops, it can be for other devices, so it’s a good idea to make sure you have power. If you’re planning to hire a car, a universal in-car charger is a good (and light) alternative.

Overweight Or Underweight

Travellers always worry about whether they will have to pay charges for overweight luggage. Avoid the worry by carrying a digital luggage scale. This small piece of kit allows you to attach a hook to one end of your luggage, while holding the other end in your hand, to get an instant assessment of what your baggage weighs. You never know, you might have more room than you think.

All-In-One Entertainment

These days a mobile phone is a particularly useful gadget, because in one small package you have a device that allows you to surf the net, take photos, listen to music, read ebooks and even watch videos. It replaces multiple devices, and though stand-alone devices may offer increased functionality, carrying a mobile will save on weight – an important consideration when luggage allowances have been reduced.

And More …

The list of useful travel gadgets goes on and on, but if you have the room, here are a few more to consider:

a USB flash drive with as high a capacity as you can manage, which has a portable browser and any other important files you need
a SteriPen to sterilize water when going to places where water hygiene is not what you’re used to
a camera or mobile phone with a built in projector (useful for business travellers)
video goggles for private in-flight movie viewing or the sea-going version for taking underwater films.

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

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Auckland Travel Guide

What to expect in Auckland

Fresh breezes, billowing sails, and Polynesian culture – Auckland pleases with its gorgeous harbour, enviable lifestyle, and Maori heritage. Book hotel rooms for less with our great Auckland hotel deals.

When to visit Auckland

When to go to Auckland?
With its coastal climate, Auckland doesn’t experience many temperature extremes. Nonetheless, winter months (June through August) can be chilly and rainy, so pack accordingly. If you’re planning a harbour excursion or a bit of sailing at any time, bring a cover-up, sunscreen, and your favourite hat or cap (one that won’t blow away).

Are we there yet? Auckland Flight times
From Sydney : around 3 hours.
From Melbourne : around 3.5 hours.
From Brisbane : around 3 hours.

Must-see sights

Auckland Harbour: Marvel from land at the colorful, bobbing boats, sign up for a harbour cruise, or rent a boat and set sail on your own adventure.
The Domain: This city park is home to The Auckland War Memorial Museum with its wonderful cultural and spiritual treasures, as well as the Winter Garden and Fernery.
Victoria Park Market: More than a century old, this beloved venue offers dozens of shops that sell New Zealand arts and crafts, souvenirs, and a trove of other wares, as well as cafés and a food court.

Insider Tips

Kick up your heels with the locals at one of the clubs on Karangahape Road (also known as “K” Road). There are more than 80 vineyards in the Auckland area–some dating back to the early 1900s. Plan a day of wine tasting for a unique experience. Auckland is the world’s largest Polynesian city (yes, you read correctly). You’ll find diverse food, shopping, and cultural options in every nook and cranny.

For 72 hours you can get a fabulous 50% discount on hotels in Auckland starting 1st June,2010!

- Value world travel beyond the brochure

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There are over 600 national parks and reserves offering such a diversity in landscape, animals and vegetation that it would take a lifetime and many, many African safari tours to this remarkable country to take it all in.

Photographs just don’t do justice to the breathtaking beauty that greets you around every corner, so a visit is a must. Whether driving past a waterhole, driving off-road or through the open plains, apart from the animals the location itself is a very unique experience.

Although most reserves are gated you are able to observe wildlife naturally because the vastness of the landscape diminishes all sense of enclosure. And once you are on safari you then have to become a bit of a detective, seeking out clues that nature provides to find your target animal in the great expanse of the reserve.

Maybe your guide who is the experienced head detective will spot some animal droppings, large prints in the earth, some broken tree branches and flattened grass indicating that an elephant is nearby. Or perhaps no detective work will be needed as you could just be driving along and come across a couple of cheetahs completely ignorant of you because they have caught an impala and are enjoying their meal road-side.

Combining a safari with relaxation at great beaches, playing golf, sampling some great wines or hiking through national parks is all possible. To find South Africa tours that will suit you just click here.

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If you are traveling the northern countries of Europe and are looking for somewhere different to stay then there is no better stop off than the Jumbo Hostel in Stockholm Sweden.

The hostel is a World’s First built onboard a real Boeing 747-200 Jumbo Jet.

The renovated Jumbo (Liv), which was grounded at Stockholm Arlanda Airport in November 2002, and has undergone a complete image overhaul.

In 2002 Liv retired from operating Charter and Pilgrim flights and now welcomes guests onboard again, this time with a new image and purpose.

Since the Jumbo has been relocated to its new permanent location at the entrance to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, it has also become a significant landmark. Not only is it a new and exciting alternative option for overnight accommodation, but it has also become a great attraction.

Click here now to book your next travel experience at the Jumbo Hostel

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Back track to the Australian Outback along Australia’s legendary tourist trail – The Kidman Way.  We traverse the NSW portion of the Matilda Highway from the Barringun, just below the Queensland border, to Jerilderie near the Victorian border.

The Kidman Way takes its name from Sir Sidney Kidman, who became known as the “Cattle King.”  Born in South Australia, Sidney Kidman left home aged 13 to work as a sheep drover. He formed a small business with his brother in droving and trading cattle and horses and went on to become the greatest pastoral landholder in modern history.

The road is safe and sealed all the way and the historic towns which dot its length are filled with lots of stories –old and new.

There is a whole variety of tourist accommodation to enjoy- hotels, motels, B&Bs, farm stays, camping and good caravan parks. The greatest distance between the 12 major towns along the road is 160 kms, with most distances about 30-50 km- so you are never far from food, fuel, medical and banking facilities.

We started at Jerilderie, west of Wagga Wagga.  In terms of history, its main claim to fame is a visit in 1879 from Australia’s most infamous outlaw, Ned Kelly.  Old Ned had a ripe old time apparently – robbing a bank and axing the town’s telegraph poles, among other deeds. There’s a tourist office in Powell Street where you can see Kelly armor and learn more about the town’s history.

Jerilderie has Victorian-era history, a spectacular man-made lake, parks, miniature steam train track, clubs and a sporting complex catering for a wide arrange of activities.

Not a bad place to start our Australian tourist trail along the Kidman Way.

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Welcome to BB Travel! On our site you will find the very best airfares, cruises, packaged holidays, tours, car hire and everything else associated with travel.

You can sign up for our newsletter which will keep you up to date with the latest travel trends, gadgets and of course the latest specials!

The following sums up how we also look at travel. This quote is from a remarkable young man, Chris Guillebeau. Chris has set himself the task of visiting every country by his 35th birthday. He has 3 years to go and another 65 countries to explore. If you want to learn how to live and travel in an unconventional manner you can pick up one of his Unconventional Guides

“Well. The way I think about travel is that it is not so much about packing something away into a learning box, like a teapot or pack of matches from every country. Oh! There’s my Namibia box. And over there! It’s my Romania box. That’s not how it works, at least not for me. It’s about being open to possibility wherever you go. It’s about walking around without an agenda, allowing yourself to laugh at things you might not laugh at elsewhere.” Chris Guillebeau

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