Discover Secluded Islands in Papua New Guinea With New Resort

One of the most secluded areas in Papua New Guinea will be readily accessible to Australian travellers at the start of 2012, with the opening of the first resort at the Conflict Islands. Consisting of 22 pristine, untouched islands, the Conflict Islands group is located in the Lower Milne Bay area, at the top of the Coral Sea, and boasts world-renowned diving and fishing experiences.

The private Conflict Islands resort is located on the Island of Panasesa and consists of six traditional double occupancy timber bungalows complete with beachfront balconies. These bungalows include modern comforts such as air-conditioning, a mini bar with tea and coffee facilities, iPod dock, and an ensuite bathroom complete with essential toiletries.

Each bungalow can be fitted with either a queen bed or two king singles, with a maximum of 12 people on the island at any one time.

The islands are part of the Milne Bay Province, which is famous for its array of diving locations and unique coral reefs which have twice the diversity of the Great Barrier Reef. Alotau, on the edge of Milne Bay and part of the mainland, is a popular base from which to explore the surrounding Islands.

On the Conflict Islands you will be spoilt for choice on how to spend your days. The activities include diving and snorkelling, fishing, island tours, sailing, paddle boarding and kayaking or simply relaxing in your own private paradise.

The resort has its own resident chef who uses the abundance of fresh local produce available on the islands to create a delightful cuisine. The surrounding waters also provide a variety of fresh seafood, including numerous varieties of fish, lobster, crayfish and many other marine delicacies.

Previously not open to the public, this island resort was developed as a private hideaway for the owner and is now being opened up to a limited number of guests who want a personalised holiday away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The secluded island getaway is being offered at a rate of $3,750 (normally $4,500 - $5,000) per person for bookings between December 2011 and June 2012. This price covers all expenses, including transfers to and from Port Moresby, plus all activities, meals and basic alcohol.
To take advantage of this amazing offer, a seven night minimum stay must be booked and the resorts’ occupancy full (12 people). Travel must also be made between December 2011 and June 2012.
The resort is available for individual and group bookings of up to 12 people.

For more information visit www.conflictislands.com or call +61 (0) 406 831 638.

For more information about Papua New Guinea visit http://www.papuanewguinea.travel/Australia

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Toronto CityPASS Helps Fall Travelers Save on Toronto's Top Attractions

Toronto — As Canada’s largest city and the country’s entertainment, cultural and financial capital, Toronto attracts tourists from around the globe who come to visit some of the world’s tallest towers, to play in the city’s 1,500 parks, and to marvel in its many museums.

Toronto CityPASS makes visiting more affordable and convenient by packaging discounted admission to the city’s essential attractions: CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre, Casa Loma, and the Toronto Zoo. And that discount is substantial: Toronto CityPASS costs 45 percent less than the combined price of the same tickets purchased individually. Adult Toronto CityPASS booklets cost $58.40 CAD (a value of $120.30); child passes (ages 4-12) retail for $34.50 CAD. Note: Prices do not include applicable sales tax.

Toronto’s fall travelers won’t want to miss a new suite of recently opened permanent galleries at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Featuring both never-before-seen objects and many artifacts that had been in storage since 2004 for the duration of the Renaissance ROM expansion project, the new galleries showcase the ancient civilizations of Rome, Byzantium and Nubia. Among the not-to-be-missed treasures are an Early Byzantine ciborium (altar canopy) dating from about AD 500-600, the only such example from this period to have survived from the Middle East (Byzantium Gallery); opulent Imperial Roman jewelry (Rome and the Near East); and intricately inscribed shawabtis (magical figures) found in the pyramid tombs of the Napatan kings (Nubia).

At Casa Loma, visitors can explore this medieval-style castle’s secret passages, lofty towers and elegant rooms. Highlights include The Conservatory, with its stunning stained-glass dome and Italian marble floors; and the Great Hall, featuring an impressive 60-foot-high (18 meters), oak-beamed ceiling.

CN Tower continues to offer the best views of Toronto, while the Ontario Science Centre’s interactive exhibits and the Toronto Zoo’s acres of animal habitats are definite must-sees for families.

Toronto CityPASS can be purchased online at CityPASS.com or at any of the CityPASS attractions. It is valid for nine consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use. CityPASS ticket booklets are also available for New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hollywood, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Southern California. For more information on CityPASS, visit CityPASS.com.

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Fly to NZ with $150 off

Book a trip to New Zealand and get $150 off your return economy flights. This discount applies no matter what seat option you choose - whether it's Seat, Seat+Bag, The Works or Works Deluxe. Just enter promocode NZ150 for travel during 05 September and 19 December 11 and promocode NZ150OFF for travel during 19 January and 30 June 12. Hurry, this sale is only on for 3 days, you've only got until midnight 24 August so get booking now!
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Tauck's New MS Treasures Riverboat

Tauck Christens New MS Treasures Riverboat In Germany 

Fourth New Riverboat In Five Years Launched As Tauck Celebrates "World's Best River Cruise Line" Award And Debut Of Rhone Cruises 

Travel the World's Managing Director Andrew Millmore joined three generations of Tauck family members, local dignitaries, travel agents and journalists from around the world in Cologne, Germany, for the official christening of Tauck's newest riverboat, the ms Treasures, on August 10.  The ship is the fourth new Tauck riverboat launched within the last five years.  

Robin Tauck, the ms Treasures' honorary godmother and the granddaughter of company founder Arthur Tauck, Sr., officially welcomed the ship into Tauck's fleet during a traditional christening ceremony.  With celebratory music provided by a local pipe and drum band, and with geysers of water sent skyward by a nearby fireboat, the assembled guests then boarded the Treasures for a cocktail reception, gala dinner, and three-night christening cruise along the Rhine.  

"This christening marks a very special occasion for Tauck", says Travel the World's Andrew Millmore. "We've not only shared in the launch of a beautiful new ship into the Tauck fleet, but also been able to celebrate Tauck's recognition as 'World's Best River Cruise Line' by Travel + Leisure magazine, and the first departures of two new Tauck cruises on the Rhone."   

As on its other riverboats, Tauck has created an intimate, club-like atmosphere aboard the Treasures by intentionally limiting its capacity to just 118 guests, compared to the typical capacity of 140 or more on other ships of similar size.  The Treasures boasts 14 spacious, 300-square-foot suites, each equipped with walk-in closets and marble baths with full-size tubs.  The ship also has seven junior suites and 38 cabins (17 and 14 square metres, respectively), and all suites, junior suites and cabins feature new décor and bedding that Tauck has added fleet-wide for 2011.  

All suites, junior suites and cabins also feature plasma TVs, mini-bars, terry cloth robes and slippers, radios, safes, adjustable air conditioning and L'OCCITANE toiletries, and most accommodations have full floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies for enhanced appreciation of passing scenery.  Guests aboard the Treasures can also enjoy the ship's gym, outdoor jacuzzi, restaurant, lounge, boutique, massage studio and a second, more casual dining venue in the ship's Lido Bar.  

Nonetheless, according to Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, ship design and onboard amenities are just part of what make Tauck river cruises so special.  "We take tremendous pride in our riverboats, and we honestly believe that we have the finest fleet on Europe's rivers," said Mahar.  "But the onboard experience is just one-half of the total river cruise experience.  The exclusive access we provide to people, places and cultural traditions, our all-inclusive pricing, the service provided by our three Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director, and the 86 years of tour operator expertise we bring to our shore excursions all combine to make our river cruises the best."  

"It's worth remembering that the Travel + Leisure award is based on six different criteria that encompass far more than just onboard amenities," concluded Mahar.  "Besides being scored on cabins and food, we were rated on service, value, itineraries and activities.  That really speaks to the different elements that make up a Tauck river cruise experience, and we work incredibly hard to excel at them all." 

Adds Andrew Millmore: "Our Australian client is a sophisticated and demanding customer, and they have responded enthusiastically to the Tauck offer. It talks to their sense of inclusive value and their desire for new, luxurious and culturally enriching experiences. We are very excited to have this new ms Treasures ship and the opportunity to further showcase what Tauck and the best of river cruising is all about."     

Travel the World's website: www.traveltheworld.com.au 

Battlefield Pilgrims Embrace Vietnam: Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours reveals

As travel to significant battlefields continues to increase and pilgrims seek new frontiers to explore, Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has extended its range of group and bespoke tours.

As Vietnam Veterans Day approaches (Thursday August 18) Australians nationwide reflect on the war that was undoubtedly one of the most controversial periods in our history – with many seeking to commemorate those who fought through travel to the battle sites of Vietnam.

Lasting for ten years from 1962 to 1972, the Vietnam War was the longest major conflict in which Australians have been involved, and was one of the most divisive events in Australia's history. Almost four decades on, and Australia has come to terms with our involvement, with many war veterans and everyday Australians now seeking the opportunity to visit the former battlefields and learn more about this important chapter in Australia's history.

In response to this growing interest, Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has launched a new fifteen-night Vietnam Commemoration Tour, to be escorted by Australia's leading author on war - Gary McKay, a former platoon leader in Vietnam who was wounded and awarded the Military Cross for bravery.

"Travel to significant battlefields has skyrocketed in recent years, with pilgrims becoming increasingly adventurous. The development of this new Vietnam Tour is in direct response to the growing interest we have received from both Vietnam Veterans and battlefield pilgrims who wish to engage with wartime history, while at the same time exploring modern day Vietnam," said Mat McLachlan, Australian Historian and founder of Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours.

"Vietnam has moved on strongly since it was devastated during the war years, and is now one of Asia's most vibrant countries - and a very popular destination for Australian travellers. This new tour aims to both commemorate the Vietnam War and educate about Australia's involvement, while at the same time highlighting the beauty of Vietnam."

The tour is being conducted with the full co-operation of the people of Vietnam and takes in all the key Australian sites from the war, plus many of Vietnam's cultural treasures.

With travellers ranging from young backpackers who've studied the Anzac legend at school through to families tracing fallen ancestors, Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours guides over 1000 people each year, assisting travellers to connect with their heritage, and learn more about Australia's war-time history.

The inaugural Vietnam Commemoration Tour will take place from 19 March to 3 April 2012. For more information, or to book visit www.battlefields.com.au


About Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours

First launched in 2007, Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours is headed by leading Australian war historian, author, journalist and media commentator, Mat McLachlan. By combining his extensive war-time knowledge and story-telling abilities, Mat is able to bring the experiences of our diggers to life in the very places they occurred.

To ensure a memorable experience, Mat encourages his travellers to seek out their own ancestral roots as part of their journey, and he is more than willing to help locate sites of personal significance along the way.

Depending on the time of year, tour itineraries feature visits to significant sites in Gallipoli, the Western Front in France and Belgium, the D-Day beaches of Normandy, Armistice Day sites, Vietnam and more – as well as individually tailored tours to any location relevant to war buffs, school groups, cadets, and senior citizens.

And for those tours Mat can't join himself, he has hand-picked a team of qualified historians who live and breathe the battlefields and are some of the world's most respected authors and guides. Their expertise and publishing credentials far outweigh any offered by other war tour operators, and with Mat designing each battlefield tour, itineraries include sites unknown to many other groups.

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours is a fully licensed travel company and a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents. It is accredited by the International Cruise Council of Australasia and the Council of Australian Tour Operators, and is the preferred battlefield tour supplier for Harvey World Travel, Travelscene American Express, Jetset, Travelworld, NRMA Travel, Breakaway Travel and Foxtel's The History Channel nationally.
 

For further information on Battlefield Tours, as well as how to customise your own, visit www.battlefields.com.au

Australian honeymoon hotspots and deals

 

AUSTRALASIA OFFERS NEWLYWEDS ALL THEIR HEARTS DESIRE

With the Australian spring wedding season fast approaching, now is the perfect time for lovebirds to start considering their honeymoon options. And, with Quickbeds.com you can don't need to venture far to find the perfect getaway to suit you, your betrothed and more importantly - your budget.

Despite a wealth of versatile honeymoon options available to newlyweds, Quickbeds.com has noticed consumers are still choosing romance as the key component to their ultimate escape. 

Quickbeds general manager, John Feenaghty has noticed several new up and coming romantic hotspots gaining popularity, offering couples fantastic value for money yet with all the luxury amenities you would expect from a honeymoon getaway and minus the costly price tag.

"Weddings are a stressful time for couples and so it's no surprise that they're looking for getaways that offer peace and relaxation complete with all the frills" said John.

Quickbeds.com recommends these top four romantic hotspots right on your doorstep – meaning less travel time and more time to relax and enjoy marital bliss!:


Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island, located off the coast of Queensland Australia, is renowned for its tropical beaches and world-class snorkelling. Check out Whitehaven Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, or, if you're feeling adventurous try snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, chartering a yacht for the day or taking a scenic flight over the islands.


Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is the perfect place for couples to escape and unwind. With breathtaking scenery, quaint villages and picturesque nature walks, it's hard to believe it's just a stone's throw away from busy Sydney. In winter, it's the perfect place to hibernate inside beside a real log fire, while in summer it offers an abundance of nature trails and villages to explore.

 
Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise has long been a honeymoon haven and it's easy to see why. With the Gold Coast offering beautiful beaches and an abundance of water sports to keep even the most adventurist occupied – your honeymoon can be whatever you want it to be.


Tasmania

If you're looking for a honeymoon destination with less of the 'hype' and more of the 'experience', try Tasmania.  Cradle Mountain is the perfect area to choose, offering stunning lodges and log cabins surrounded by picturesque scenery and fantastic walking trails through the wilderness. 

www.quickbeds.com.au

 

Stay 6 Nights for the Price of 4 at Muri Beach Club Hotel Cook Islands

Muri Beach Club Hotel in the Cook Islands is offering guests the chance to stay for six nights but only pay for four and receive a free tropical breakfast daily and a couple's massage per room. This great deal is valid for sale until 30 September, 2011 and valid for travel until 31 March, 2012.

Winner of the 2010 best " Luxury Boutique Hotel' in the World Luxury Travel Awards, Muri Beach Club Hotel, is a privately owned boutique adults only resort, perfect for couples wanting a romantic escape.

The Resort boasts an enviable location on the best stretch of beach facing the famous Muri Lagoon on the island of Rarotonga and is in walking distance to the islands Dive Centre, Cultural Centre, Buggy and Quad Tours, shops, cafes and restaurants.

With only 30 rooms, every room is personal and intimate and guests can chose from Premium Garden, Superior Pool View and Deluxe Beachfront accommodation.

Located right on the beach, The Point Restaurant & Bar provides full service dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menu's offer gourmet pacific cuisine and theme nights and culinary specialties take advantage of fresh local produce and fish catches to provide the best in international and South Pacific fare.

An added feature of the Muri Beach Club Hotel is the Lagoon Lounge overlooking Muri Lagoon. The Lounge has an ambience of casual chic comfort and style. Whether it is chess, coffee or cocktails, the lagoon lounge is a popular leisure and meeting spot.

Muri Beach Club Hotel's unequalled resort location puts guests right at the heart of one of Rarotonga's most outstanding natural features – Muri Lagoon. The lagoon is the island's aquatic playground for superb and safe snorkelling and swimming.  With other water sports like kayaking, wind surfing, kite surfing, sailing and glass-bottomed boat rides, there's always an opportunity to get out on the water and away from it all.

Adventurous activities and tours away from the water are also available including horse riding, four wheel drive adventures, buggy and quad tours, Golf, a Cultural Village tour and guided walks and mountain treks.

Caressed by the fragrances that greet guests and the treatments that elevate stress and relax the body and mind, The Beauty & Spa at Muri Beach Club Hotel offers guests the ultimate in pampering.  Internationally trained staff can help guests relax with a soothing massage, cleanse the body or refresh the soul. The Beauty & Spa offers facials, pedicures, body treatments, manicures, waxing, cosmetics, massage, spa treatments and skin care.

A six night stay at Muri Beach Club Hotel starts from AUD$1335.40 per room for two adults, normally AUD$2004.00 and includes a tropical breakfast daily and a couple's massage per room.


For booking and enquiries please contact: Fiona Wozney on P: 07 5524 5222 Email: sales@wrd.com.au

Helen Wong's Tours' China and Vietnam

An 18-day tour of China which encompasses the sights of Shanghai, Xian, Guilin and Beijing and includes a four-night leisurely cruise of the Yangtze is one of a host of exciting programs from Asian specialist Helen Wong's Tours until the end of the year.

Among the star-studded line-up with spaces available on October and November tours is a 20-day Breathtaking China itinerary which, from $4920 per person, twin share from Australia, focuses on Wuyi Mountain and seaport Xiamen as well as traditional cities of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai.

Another is a 17-day Jewels of China, priced from $4990pp, twin share, which includes Chengdu and a close encounter with the giant pandas in a breeding research centre, and spectacular Jiuzhaigou, a scenic alpine valley address in the very heart of China.

The 18-day tour – Mighty Yangtze – is filled with major attractions, including a walk along the Great Wall of China and a view of archaeological find, the Army of the Terracotta Warriors. It is priced from $5520pp, twin share from Australia

Other tours with seats remaining are:

20-day Tibet and Yangtze, priced from $5890pp, twin share from Australia;
The Premium-rated 14-day China Highlights, from $5420pp, twin share.

Meanwhile, spaces still remain on a number of Helen Wong's Tours Vietnam programs for October and November, including the 11-day Glimpse of Vietnam, priced from $2600pp, twin share from Australia, and the 16-day Best of Vietnam, priced from $3500pp twin share.

The 11-day Vietnam Discovery tour between Saigon (Ho Chi Min City) and Hanoi is priced from $3680pp, twin share while an exciting 16-day Cambodia and Vietnam Odyssey tour, highlighted by a visit to Siem Reap's archaeological wonder, Angkor Wat, priced from $5220pp, twin share.

Other tours of interest in October and November are:

18-day Vietnam Extravaganza, priced from $4720pp twin share from Australia;
14-day Angkor and Vietnam, from $4660pp, twin share.

For details of itineraries and inclusions, contact Helen Wong's Tours on 1300 788328 or visit www.helenwongstours.com

SPECIAL NOTE: Due to departure taxes, security charges and fuel surcharges, prices are subject to change.

Formula One Grand Prix Roars into Korea in October

With Australian Mark Webber on number two position in the 2011 Formula1 World Championships behind his Red Bull Racing teammate Sebastien Vettel the upcoming F1 Grand Prix in Singapore, Japan & then Korea on the 16th October will be important for both to gain points for the World Championship for 2011.

Korea hosts the F1 Grand Prix for only the second time this year from the 14-16th October at the Korea International Yeongam Circuit in the south-western corner of the country. The circuit was certainly tested last year with the race delayed several times due to unusual heavy rainfall, so organisers are hoping for a dry run this year.

The Korea International Circuit has added elements of Korean traditional design to the state-of-the-art motor sports facilities.  The grandstand has a roof structure resembling the eaves of hanoks (traditional Korean styled houses).  The circuit will accommodate 130,000 spectators at one time and is the largest of Korea's domestic sports facilities in scale.

For Australians interested in travelling to the Korea F1 Grand Prix Lotte Travel has six day land only packages to Korea for the event from 10-17 October, 2010.  The package includes a night in Seoul and a Seoul half day city tour before travelling to the hotel base in Gwangju for three nights for the practice and qualifying events and then the Korean F1 Grand Prix final on Sunday, 16 October.

Land packages are available from $1,490 per person twin share including accommodation, breakfasts and transfers between Seoul and Gwangju and Yeongam for the race.  The package price does not include tickets to the event or airfares to/from Australia which can be purchased separately.

Further information on the Lotte Travel packages to the F1 Formula One World Championships Korean Grand  Prix 2011 can be viewed at the following webpage:

http://www.lottetravel.com.au/tour/special/f1tour.asp

General information on the race can be found at the Formula One Korean Grand Prix website: www.koreangp.kr

Visit www.visitkorea.or.kr for general travel information on Korea.

Stay Longer for Free at Sonaisali Island Resort

Stay longer for no extra cost at Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji with an amazing deal where guests can stay for three nights but only pay for two or stay for six nights and only pay for four and receive a range of fantastic inclusions. This deal is valid for sale and travel until 31st March 2012.

No only will guests make great savings with this deal but will also receive a full American Buffet Breakfast daily, a welcome cocktail drink, a Jungle Cruise, a special invitation to the General Managers Cocktail Party, a Scuba Pool Splash and all non-motorised water sports. Children 18 years and under stay for free and children 12 years and under receive free meals and Kids Club.

A prestigious and private vacation destination, Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji is a true island escape, with an abundance of tropical beauty, an extensive range of activities and a relaxed and friendly ambiance.

Situated 300 metres off the main island of Viti Levu, Sonaisali Island Resort is only 25 minutes from Nadi International Airport and 15 minutes from Nadi town and is the gateway to the Coral Coast, Mamanuca and Yasawa Island groups. 

Comprising of 123 spacious rooms and Bures scattered along the beachfront, Sonaisali's accommodation is second to none, featuring modern interiors which harmonise with Fijian architecture.

Sonaisali places great emphasis on food and offers varied and memorable menus, influenced by the best of Asia/Pacific, Indian and European cuisines. The fine dining 'Plantation' Restaurant is noted as one of the best fine dining Restaurants in Fiji and guests can choose from the expansive and innovative a la carte menu or experience the ultimate in dining decadence with the 9-course 'Degustation Menu'.

Dedicated to total relaxation, enjoyment and service, Sonaisali offers a wide range of activities including swimming, tennis, shopping excursions, village trips, horse riding, sailing, fishing, jet ski's, paintball, surfing and daily snorkelling and dive trips.  Fijian cultural entertainment, including authentic Firewalking and traditional Meke are performed weekly and a Kids Club operates daily from 9am - 9pm.

Guests can also relax and be pampered at The Frangipani Health and Beauty Spa.  Designed as a sanctuary for the inner self to refresh and rejuvenate the spirit as well as ones physical being, the Spa is open daily and offers and extensive selection of treatments.

This deal starts from FJ$888.50 for two adults and two children for three nights in a standard hotel room, normally FJ$1332.75. For a six night stay prices start from FJ$1777 for two adults and two children in a standard hotel room, normally FJ$2665.50.

For further information visit www.sonaisali.com

For booking and enquiries please contact Fiona Wozney on P: 07 5524 5222 Email: sales@wrd.com.au