IBIS INCREDIBLE DOLLAR DEALS - PARKING, BREAKFAST OR WI-FI FOR JUST $1

Plus win $80,000 worth of prizes for just $1

These days $1 might buy you a bottle of water or a chocolate bar, but it doesn't stretch far – that is unless you stay with Ibis hotels, where just $1 will buy you your choice of either wi-fi internet, parking or breakfast. To celebrate its new $1 deals, Ibis hotels are also giving you the chance to win $80,000 worth of prizes including a Vespa, iPad2s and home entertainment systems – and you don't even have to stay with them to enter.

Ibis is all about giving you great value for money so the $1 offer – for breakfast, wi-fi internet or parking – will make your next stay an even better deal. Rates for Ibis hotels start from as little as $137 per night, and the $1 extras are available for stays from 1 April to 30 June 2011. The free-to-enter competition, however, will offer prizes each month for a year and winners will pay just $1 to take delivery of their prize once their name is drawn.

Ibis hotels have become the worldwide reference point for economy hotels, offering modern, centrally located hotels with value at their core. With 24-hour reception, comfortable bedding and contemporary décor, Ibis hotels are your guarantee of a warm welcome at a great price.

There are currently 14 Ibis hotels in Australia in key city and resort locations including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Townsville and Wollongong. Globally Ibis is one of the fastest-growing brands in the world, with over 860 hotels in 45 countries.

Go to www.ibisdollardeals.com.au to enter or book.

ibis, the worldwide economy hotel brand of the Accor group, offers consistent quality accommodation and services in all its hotels, for the best local value: a well-designed and fully-equipped bedroom, major hotel services available 24/7 and a wide choice of on-site food and beverage options. The quality of the ibis standard has been recognised by the International Organization for Standardization certification ISO 9001 since 1997. ibis is also the world's first hotel chain to demonstrate its environmental commitment through securing the ISO 14001 certification, which has already been awarded to one third of its hotels.

Japan Tsunami

source: www.breakingtravelnews.com

As many as 250 civilians are feared dead after an earthquake sent a tsunami crashing into the north of Japan earlier.

Many more are missing, with extensive damage reported across the region. Pictures from local television stations show buildings toppling under pressure from a huge wave of water, with cars, boats, and even roads also swallowed up.

The 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 250 miles from Tokyo at a depth of 20 miles, shaking the capital, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

It was followed by a ten metre wave of water.

The first tremor was recorded at 14:46 local time (05:46 GMT) and was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks.

Seismologists in the country say it is one of the largest earthquakes to hit Japan for at least a century.

Across the Region

Communities across east Asia have been put on high alert following the events in Japan, with evacuations beginning in Taiwan, the Philippines and eastern Russian.

New Zealand and many small Pacific islands – including Tonga and Samoa – could be in danger according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii, while warnings were also issued for the west coast of the Americas, from Mexico to Chile.

Indonesia - which saw the coastline of its Aceh region devastated by a huge Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 - was braced for waves up to two metres high.

Hawaii ordered evacuations from coastal areas, and authorities urged residents of the US island territory of Guam to move from low-lying regions.

In Tokyo hundreds of thousands of people are stranded as the transport infrastructure, including the vast Metro system, ground to a halt.

Air Travel

The earthquake has wrought havoc for airlines operating in the region, with many flights into Japan cancelled.

Many airlines - including Malaysian Airlines, British Airways, Virgin, China Southern, Korean Air and Jetstar - have diverted or cancelled flights to destinations in the earthquake area.

International Assistance

Condolences and offers of assistance from around the world have been arriving in Japan.

British prime minister David Cameron said: “We have had a terrible reminder of the destructive power of nature, and everyone should be thinking of that country and their people, and I have asked immediately that our government should look at what we can do to help.”

There are more than 17,000 British nationals resident in Japan, while a further 300,000 UK nationals visit the country each year.

At present there are no reported British casualties.

American president Barack Obama added his voice, stating the United States “stands ready” to come to the assistance of its close ally.

“The United States stands ready to help the Japanese people in this time of great trial.

“The friendship and alliance between our two nations is unshakeable, and only strengthens our resolve to stand with the people of Japan as they overcome this tragedy,” Obama said in a written statement released by the White House.

A&K New Small Group Journey to Peru

Peru is in the spotlight this year celebrating the 100th anniversary of the re-discovery of Machu Picchu by American explorer Hiram Bingham. While searching for the lost Inca capital of Vilcabamba, he and his guide stumbled upon the Inca ruins shrouded in jungle vegetation. Arguably the greatest archaeological site in the Americas, the story of Machu Picchu remains a mystery. Some believe it to be the birthplace of the Inca Empire, others a ceremonial centre or military citadel.

The site has a magical location on a mountain ridge high above the raging Urubamba River and thanks to its seclusion remains a relatively intact cultural site. It was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a chance to wander through the ruins marvelling at the perfectly constructed stone walls and gazing over the city from the Sun Gate is one of life's great experiences.

Thousands of artefacts excavated from the site and previously stored at Yale University are being returned to Peru this year and will be housed at Casa Concha in Cusco.

To celebrate the centenary, A&K is launching a small group journey to Peru featuring a tour of Machu Picchu with resident archaeologist Alfredo Mormontoy. There are audiences with other local specialists such as a museum curator, textile expert and inspirational philanthropist. The tour visits Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu staying in the finest hotels throughout.

Tour dates: 11-18 September 2011
Price: $5,670 per person twin share
Single supplement: $1,760 per person

National Attractions Transformed Into Electric Canvas

Onlookers were this evening treated to a preview of the spectacular large-scale lighting projections that will form part of the newest addition to Canberra's event calendar ENLIGHTEN: See Canberra in a whole new light.

ENLIGHTEN will premiere this Friday and will see the stunning foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin transformed into a festive hub, abuzz with an exciting program of major concerts and surrounded by spectacular lighting across the facades of the National Gallery of Australia, Parliament House, the National Library of Australia and the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House.

The Electric Canvas, the company responsible for bringing four of Canberra's worldclass national institutions to life through the lighting projections, this evening previewed a small taste of things to come during ENLIGHTEN.

Showcasing a selection of the projections at MoAD at Old Parliament House, Projection Director Peter Milne said event goers could expect to see a series of extremely diverse projections across the four buildings during ENLIGHTEN.

"For example, at MoAD people can expect to see a range of themed projections such as 'Past Prime Ministers', which celebrates the Prime Ministers of Australia who took office in Old Parliament House between 1927 and 1988," Mr Milne said.

"In another projection the rich textures and finishes of the original interiors of Old Parliament House have been applied to the building\'s exterior, transforming it into a beautiful piece of period furniture which we've titled 'Comfortable Couch'.

"But perhaps the most unusual and unexpected image will be the Political Graffiti projection. This projection celebrates the diversity of Australian democracy and onlookers will see MoAD transformed into a typical Australian city wall plastered with political slogans." General Manager of Australian Capital Tourism Simonne Shepherd said visitors can expect to see something truly amazing during ENLIGHTEN.

"The Electric Canvas has been responsible for some of the most memorable lighting displays around the world, including aspects of the Sydney Olympics, Melbourne's Commonwealth Games and last year's Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, so we are expecting visitors to be delighted by what they see projected onto our national attractions during ENLIGHTEN," Ms Shepherd said.

"As part of ENLIGHTEN each lighting display will run from 11 to 19 March, between 8pm and 11.30pm.

"To top it all off ENLIGHTEN's vibrant event hub and purpose built stage at Commonwealth Place will bring everything together with George Benson, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Chris Isaak and INXS, to light up the shores of Lake Burley Griffin over the four evenings," Ms Shepherd said.

ENLIGHTEN tickets are on sale through Ticketek and can be purchased by phoning 13 28 49, from www.ticketek.com.au or at the ENLIGHTEN event hub at Commonwealth Place. For more information visit www.enlightencanberra.com.

Titanic, built in Belfast

Titanic Pumphouse (www.thenorthernirelandguide.co.uk)

Unquestionably the most iconic ship on the planet, the Titanic is a Belfast story. Belfast built her, endured her tragic loss, and is now a city celebrating her glory. Evidence of this is the stunning £97 million piece of modern architecture named the ‘Titanic Belfast’ building (currently under construction and due to open in 2012) majestically overlooking the very spot RMS Titanic first glided into the waters of Belfast Lough. For 2011 the city is extending the annual Titanic festival over a two-month period, running from 31 March - 31 May, the 100th anniversary of the ship’s launch. The ‘Titanic 100’ festival will feature a variety of special events, including an exhibition focusing on the fantastic work of the great Irish photographer RJ Welch, Harland & Wolff’s official photographer during the Titanic era. Belfast also promises ‘great things’ in the home of RMS Titanic for the centenary of her maiden voyage in April 2012.

Family Friendly Travel in Galapagos

Galapagos Now Welcomes Families with Young Children With Expanding Inventory of Land-Based Programs and Accommodations

Families with toddlers to tweens, can now comfortably experience the Galapagos that heretofore has been nearly off limits for them because cruise ships often exclude young children and land stays were difficult to come by.

Ecuador's leading hospitality company for active adventure, Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges http://www.redmangrove.com/, offers a variety of land-based itineraries and sufficient multi-island room capacity in five separate lodges to entice active young families.

"My wife and seven-month-old daughter went on several of our island tours recently and the baby just loved seeing the tortoises and birds close up. Noting the fact that most don't allow young children, there is no way she would have ever been able to experience this on a Galapagos cruise ship," said Caleb Hayes, Diving Sales & Operations Manager for the company.

From 2009 to 2010 Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges saw a 32 percent increase in family business, reported Hernan Roads, visionary founder and owner. He expects a similar level of growth this year, pointing out that his properties, based on eco-sensitive, sustainable practices are capturing more attention each year.

"Before us, there was not a brand of hotels or lodges that offered any multi-island consistency in terms of quality, staffing, environmental standards and program and activity flexibility," he said.

The pros of a land-based vacation focus on the fact that the land programs are open to all ages of children, they are run every day and arrivals and departures can be planned on the family's schedule without having to fit a rigid cruise ship departure schedule.

Said Rodas, "We ease parental anxiety by eliminating the worry of 'child overboard' and concerns about the confined space on a ship. We also don't do wet landings where you have to wade ashore or jump on to wet rocks. Additionally, our land-based programs are simply more economical and we are able to meet a family's budget better than cruise options."

There is a 25 per cent discount off the package price for children under age 10. Per person rates begin at $340 per day and are inclusive of deluxe lodging, meals, excursions with English speaking naturalist guides, free Internet wireless service while in Santa Cruz, free use of bikes when in Puerto Ayora and Isabela, all snorkeling gear and 10% service charge.

Rodas recommends for young ones, toddler to age 12 an 8-day/7-night three-island, Full Galapagos Adventure program with only a short navigation from island to island. See:

http://www.redmangrove.com/tours/full-adventure-in-galapagos.html

For older kids ages 12-18 he recommends an 8-day/7-night multi-island, Multi-sport Soft Adventure program encompassing three islands plus biking, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and trekking. See: http://www.redmangrove.com/tours/multi-sport-adventure.html.

Younger children are welcome on any of Red Mangrove's year-round land-based tour programs and for infants, reasonably priced baby-sitting services are also available upon request. For underwater enthusiasts, including families with young children, there are classes and opportunities to learn how to dive with PADI certified instructors. Diving parents also appreciate being able to participate on dive excursions while the little ones are well taken care of ashore.

About Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges

Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges in 2007 introduced a land-based alternative to exploring the Galapagos that heretofore was a cruise-only destination. While it may be best known for its upscale lodging and dive operations in the Galapagos, recent expansion has made it a leader in mainland Ecuador hospitality as well. With upscale waterfront lodges strategically situated on Santa Cruz, Isabela and Floreana, it is the only company offering high quality, branded accommodations and services on multiple islands in the Galapagos and across mainland Ecuador. Because it is land-based, Red Mangrove can offer a more extensive roster of activities and more flexibility than traditional cruise options.

The customary way to experience Red Mangrove's Galapagos hospitality is to spend a number of nights on each island accessed by small boat and/or aircraft. With 14 guest rooms, Aventura Lodge on Santa Cruz is distinguished by its unique architectural design which blends its mangrove forest and seafront environments tastefully and responsibly. Its location boasts generous views of Puerto Ayora Bay. Separated from the ocean by a white sand, palm-lined beach, Isabela Lodge offers eight rooms outside the sleepy fisherman's village of Puerto Villamil on one of the most volcanically active islands on Earth. Red Mangrove Floreana Lodge is a romantic gathering of 10 private pine cottages just a five minute walk from the village of Puerto Velasco Ibarra (population 150). Red Mangrove Divers Lodge Santa Cruz has 11 rooms near the Red Mangrove Dive Academy. Red Mangrove Isabela Divers Lodge features 5-rooms adjacent to scenic Puerto Villamil. On the mainland coast of Ecuador Samai Lodge with 11 rooms is an inn-and-spa suited for recollection, relaxation and wellness surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and crashing surf.

Contact Information:
Phone: 1.888.254.3190 or 1.402.953.0261
Email Form: http://www.redmangrove.com/contact-us/
Website: http://www.redmangrove.com/

Seoul Best 100 Guide: The Best of Seoul in your Pocket!

The latest edition of Seoul Best 100, a pocket guide of Seoul's top one hundred must see sights has just been released.  The guide gives a great introduction to the best sights of the capital city of Korea and is freely available from Korea Tourism Organization Sydney office.

The pocket zone by zone guide gives detailed information about major tourist attractions such as Seoul's beautiful royal palaces and shrines like Changdeok and the Secret Garden, Deoksu Palace and the Jongmyo Royal Shrine are all in Zone 1.  Also in this zone are sights such as Seoul City Square and top tourist attractions like Insadong, the famous cultural street loved by visitors for its art galleries, handicraft shops, excellent restaurants and famous tea-houses.  The popular street of Samcheongdong with its many cafes and designer shops and galleries is the latest trendy place to be seen in Seoul.

In the centre of the capital is Cheonggyecheon, the 5.8 kilometre stream that runs through the centre of Seoul with its unique bridges and fountains and is a spectacular sight during the Seoul lantern festival.  Also, in Zone 1 for those who love shopping Seoul's south gate (Namdaemun) is a great place to search for a bargain. Selling a wide range of items from clothing to jewellery to Korean handicrafts, foodstuffs, homewares and more the market is a very popular place with shoppers to Seoul.  Nearby is trendy Myeong-dong which is especially lively at night with all its bright lights, designer boutiques and is a place where Seoul's lively young people hang out at night.

Zone 2 of the guide takes you to World Cup Park where Korea reached the semi final of the FIFA World Cup 2002 semi-final match against Germany.  The Hongik University area of Seoul with its trendy nightclubs and markets is a great place to mix with Seoul's youth and see all the latest trends and fashion. 

Zone 3 can take you further out of the city for some fresh mountain air. Visit Mt. Bukhansan or Seoul Forest for a refreshing breath of nature.  Dongdaemun Fashion Town in the eastern part of the city is popular for all night shopping, the shops here close at 5.30am in the morning.  If visiting with children Seoul's Chrildren's Grand Park is a great place to take them to see the huge aviary with over 800 parrots and an aquarium as well as enjoy musical water fountains and fun park rides.

Zone 4 is the southern side of the river with Olympic Park and Lotte World, a massive shopping complex as well as theme park which is great fun for families with young children.  It includes the Seoul Arts Centre, the Kimchi Museum and the famous fashion streets of Apgujeong (Rodeo Street) and Cheongdam-dong Fashion Street.

Zone 5 covers the best of nature with Yeouido Ecological Park and Seoul Grand Park and Zoo.  Get the best view over Seoul city from the 63 Building on Yeouido Island or visit Times Square, the new urban entertainment cultural space with department stores, cinemas,  E-Mart, bookstores and more.

Get your FREE Seoul's Best 100 pocket guide today from the Korea Tourism Organization Sydney office by email:  visitkorea@knto.org.au or phone:  02(9251-1717

Retreat to The Westin Melbourne this Easter

Treat yourself to a decadent Easter where chocolate martinis, luxurious accommodation and gourmet SuperFoods breakfasts combine to create a memorable city escape. Retreat to The Westin Melbourne over the Easter long weekend and indulge in a specially created package from just $305 per night.

Chocolate lovers can unwind over a chocolate martini from the hotel's chic Martini Bar or Lobby Lounge before retreating to their Westin signature Heavenly® Bed. To complete the package, refresh and revive with a gourmet SuperFoods buffet breakfast for two in award winning Allegro Restaurant and be sure to ask for a table on the terrace amongst the cosmopolitan tree tops of Collins Street. A late 2pm check out leaves time to explore Melbourne's boutiques, galleries attractions - all on the hotel's doorstep.

For more Easter treats, indulge in a special three course lunch whilst soaking up the smooth sounds of live jazz with Allegro Restaurant's Easter Sunday Jazz Lunch. Replenish the soul over platter style dining before sampling sweet treats from the delightful chocolate dessert buffet.

And because the little things do matter, consider contacting Concierge to assist with additional touches to enhance your stay - from roses or a special bottle of wine, to helping secure that perfect piece of jewellery.

To book the Easter Retreat accommodation package or the Easter Sunday Jazz Lunch, contact The Westin Melbourne on 03 9635 2222 or visit www.westin.com.au/melbourne

Top 10 of our Favourite UK Olympic Venues - 500 Days to Go

Olympic Park, East London

The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics may still be a little way away, but work is well under way at the Olympic Park in East London. The site includes the already iconic 80,000 seat Olympic Stadium, the graceful Aquatics Centre and the Velodrome. If you'd like to see the site's dramatic transformation in progress, you can take a tour with knowledgeable Blue Badge Guides. Alternatively get along to the open days from 22-24 July.


Football stadiums, UK-wide

The London 2012 Football competitions will be held at stadiums throughout the country. Catch the games at Hampden Park in Glasgow; Millennium Stadium in Cardiff; Old Trafford in Manchester; St James' Park in Newcastle; Villa Park in Birmingham and Wembley Stadium in London, where the finals will take place. If you want to experience the thrill of British football right now, take a stadium tour or catch a Premier League game.


Horse Guards Parade, London

Beach Volley Ball comes to 10 Downing Street! That's right - the high-energy beach sport will take place on Horse Guards Parade, the parade ground for the Queen's bodyguards that's next door to the Prime Minister's house. It's an unlikely mix, we admit, but one we're very proud of. Head to Horse Guards Parade on 11 June 2011 and 16 June 2012 for Trooping the Colour, the Queen's spectacular birthday ceremony.


Lord's Cricket Ground, London

Lord's Cricket Ground in North West London will be transformed into an Archery range for 2012. Crowds of 6,500 will enjoy the competition with two fields of play inside the stadium. Visit Lords to see the tiny Ashes urn, hotly contested by England and Australia, the stuffed sparrow 'bowled out' by Jahangir Khan and cricketing kit worn by many of the game's greatest players. You can also tour players' dressing rooms and see the famous Lord's Honours Board that records great performances at the ground. And don't forget Lord's is also Britain's most famous venue for county and international cricket!


North Greenwich Arena, London

You probably know the North Greenwich Arena as the O2 Arena. During the Games, it will seat 20,000 spectators for the Basketball final and 16,500 for the Gymnastics. Outside the Olympics, this huge dome by the Thames hosts pop concerts and is home to the British Music Experience, the interactive, immersive celebration of UK pop.
Hyde Park, London


Hyde Park, one of London's Royal Parks, will host the Triathlon course in 2012. Triathlon is among the fastest-growing individual sports in the UK, and thousands of people will line the route to spectate for free during the races. The park itself is one of the largest parks in London, a haven of relaxation in the middle of the city. Don't miss Speakers' Corner where people come to air their views and exercise their right to free speech, and the Diana Fountain, a memorial to Princess Diana.


Weymouth & Portland Harbour, Dorset

Weymouth & Portland Harbour in Dorset, on England's South East coast, will be the venue for the 2012 Sailing and Paralympic Sailing competitions. Weymouth and Portland Harbour provides some of the best natural sailing waters in Britain and during the Games you'll be able to watch the action for free. If you'd like to try sailing yourself you can book a lesson at the world-class Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy. This part of Dorset is also on the Jurassic Coast, Britain's first natural World Heritage Site, a stretch of coastline where exposed cliffs and geological wonders give you an insight into millennia of natural history.


Lee Valley White Water Centre, London

The White Water Centre that will host the London 2012 Olympic canoe slalom competition opens to the public on 22 April. It's the only brand new London 2012 venue that non-Olympic competitors will be able to use before the Games. Get in on the action before the pros and try canoeing, kayaking or white water rafting at this state of the art facility in the Lee Valley Park.


Wimbledon, London

Wimbledon in South East London will be used for the Tennis competition at the 2012 Games. Up to 30,000 people will be able to watch the players compete. The sacred turf of Wimbledon's Centre Court has seen some of the greatest tennis matches ever played. Highlights at the club's museum include the Championship Trophies, a 200° cinema screen and a 'walk-through' of the men's dressing room as it was in the 1980s, with John McEnroe.


Greenwich Park, London

Greenwich Park will host the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian competitions, plus the combined running and shooting event of the Modern Pentathlon. The park has got to have one of the best-looking riverside locations in London and is home to the Royal Observatory, the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian of the World, making it the official starting point for each new day and year. Greenwich itself is a World Heritage Site and is also the home to the National Maritime Museum and Christopher Wren's graceful Old Royal Naval College.
For more information on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sports and venues, visit London 2012.

Next Generation Check-In Regional Implementation Begins

Qantas today announced that Next Generation Check-in technology has started rolling out across its regional network.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said this was a significant milestone in the program.

"Next Generation Check-in provides our customers with a smarter, faster check-in experience and we're excited to be delivering this technology for customers in our regional ports," said Mr Joyce.

"When our customers told us that queuing was a point of pain we responded. Next Generation Check-in has been successfully implemented in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne and has dramatically reduced domestic check-in times for customers allowing them to move through the check-in area with speed and ease.

"Twenty-one regional airports, including sixteen QantasLink ports, will receive Next Generation Check-in technology over the next four months," he said.

Albury, Rockhampton, Karratha, Broome, Coffs Harbour and Mackay are the first ports to benefit from the introduction of Q Card Reader technology, and will be shortly followed by Emerald, Hobart, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland and Port Macquarie.

Mr Joyce said Platinum, Gold and Silver Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members will be checked in within seconds with one touch of their Qantas card on the Q Card Readers.

Q Card Readers will also be installed in Gladstone, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Alice Springs, Newman, Wagga Wagga, Townsville, Launceston, Paraburdoo, Darwin and Cairns.

"From May, Q Bag technology will also be introduced across the regional network.

"The Q Bag Tag is a cutting edge innovation and Qantas is proud to be the first airline to introduce this world-leading technology to our customers."

The Q Bag Tag automatically links customers' luggage with their flight details when scanned by Qantas Customer Service staff.

Next Generation Check-in will be progressively introduced to Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra throughout 2011. The program is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2011.

An online demonstration providing a step-by-step guide to Next Generation Check-in is available on qantas.com/nextgenerationcheckin
Note: For breaking Qantas news via Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/qantasmedia