Witness Gorillas in the Wild in Uganda

Raw Wildlife Encounters (RWE) in partnership with The Jane Goodall Institute Australia and Raw Africa Eco-Tours give travellers the change to experience close encounters with gorillas and chimps in the wild while making sure that their travel dollars go to a good cause.



For the second year running, guest spend 15-days witnessing first-hand the interesting and successful projects that are being undertaken in Uganda by The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). Raw travellers will visit the JGI Uganda/Ngamba Chimpanzee Island, which is a ground breaking initiative of the JGI. Travellers, will also explore the Murchinson Falls National Park where they will experience close encounters with rhinos, chimpanzees and crocodiles. They'll head off on a chimpanzee trek on the Budongo Forest, and also trek looking for the gorillas of Bwindi. Once guest witness these amazing primates, they'll understand what drove Dr Jane Goodall to dedicate her entire life fighting for their survival.

Guests will also visit the inspiring Boomu Women's Group to gain an understanding of Ugandan culture and how communities live alongside wildlife.

'Following in the footsteps of highly acclaimed conservationist Dr Jane Goodall is nothing but remarkable, and a dream for many.' Says Jessica McKelson, CEO of Raw Wildlife Encounters. 'Witnessing endangered species like chimpanzees, and gorillas up close and personal, is breath taking and will stay with you for a lifetime!'

McKelson continues, 'This unique travel program has everything an adventurer is seeking, drawing on the beauty, culture, environment and wildlife of a wonderful country. A once in a life time opportunity with highly experiences staff from Raw Africa Eco-Tours will leave travellers wanting more.'

For every traveller on this adventure, a donation is made directly to support the work of The Jane Goodall Institute..

The Jane Goodall Institute 15-day Tours is $5,690.00 per person and tours dates are: 23rd May, 2015 and 23rd August, 2015.

For more information see www.rawildlife.com.au/tours
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Savings on Norwegian Cruise Line which takes in Alaska, North America and the Panama Canal

CRUISE specialist ecruising.travel is offering savings of up to $5000 per person on 33-night cruise package including not one but two cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line which takes in Alaska, North America and the Panama Canal, when you book by 28 Feb 2015.

The deal is great value as it includes return economy airfares from Australia, 10 nights aboard the Norwegian Jewel, 17 nights aboard the Norwegian Pearl, two nights at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, a one-way flight from Vancouver to San Francisco, two nights at the Handlery Union Square Hotel in San Francisco, with a sightseeing pass, and two nights at the Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel.



The new price starts from $7609 for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane passengers, from $7869 from Adelaide and from $8169 from Perth and also includes all meals and entertainment on the ship, transfers and all port and air taxes.

Arriving in Seattle on September 17 spend two nights exploring the city before boarding your first ship, Norwegian Jewel, to cruise the waters of Alaska to visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, cruise Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, and stop at Sitka and Victoria British Columbia before arriving at Vancouver for your flight to San Francisco for a two night stay.

Board your second ship, the Norwegian Pearl, for 17 nights with various port visits including Los Angeles, three port calls in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica before passing through the Panama Canal with a final stop in Colombia before disembarking in Miami.

For more details contact ecruising.travel on 1300 369 848 or visit http://ecruising.travel/Details.aspx?id=22202.
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Luxury Travel Magazine Summer Issue Out Now

Travel the way we do and grab a copy of the summer issue of print magazine Luxury Travel – out now with the latest news and luxe destination stories for luxury travellers.

Australia's only specialist luxury travel magazine produced exclusively for the consumer leisure luxury travel market, Luxury Travel magazine this week releases its 61st issue and the first edition of 2015. It includes the third edition of the Annual Travel Planner, a guide to some of the world's most luxurious accommodation and travel experiences.



This 208-page issue features articles from talented, specialist travel writers including our editorial staff on:

- The 'new exotic' – the world's newest destinations where you can still beat the crowds

- Culinary travels throughout Japan and Peru

- The best hotel suites in Hawaii

- A Mongolian desert experience

- Luxury travelling camp in Kashmir, northern India

- Our new expanded Epicurean travels section

- And… introducing the new Luxury Travel magazine itineraries

Leading with a cover story of the new and luxe exotic, we reveal the world's most exciting emerging exotic destinations that luxury travellers can still be among the first to visit – looking at the five types of exotic travel and why they appeal to luxury travellers.

We invite our readers to travel the way we do by introducing an exciting new initiative, the Luxury Travel magazine ITINERARIES. We simplify the process for those inspired to book their next holiday from the pages of Luxury Travel, by working with destination specialist agencies to help our readers to book the exact holiday they read about. Our first Luxury Travel magazine itinerary is a bespoke adventure throughout India in search of tigers.

Our new expanded Travel&. section now includes news of luxury epicurean destinations and experiences around the globe; this issue includes articles on the world's top 10 resort restaurants and a review of wines with altitude and what's being poured for business and first class passengers on five airlines.

Specialist travel writers visit one of the world's hottest culinary destinations in Lima, Peru; along with a look at the fine traditions and modern expressions of Japanese cuisine and the best places to dine throughout the country. We also have writers share their immersion stories and cultural experiences from such destinations as the Gobi Desert in Mongolia; a luxury travelling camp in Kashmir; the ports of Lisbon; the street markets in Thailand; the new-look cowboy culture of Dallas; and an all-girls' surfing adventure in Bali.

We visit, stay and review luxury global properties in New York, Bali, Hawaii and Dubai.

The summer edition also features our regular sections with a look at a luxury ski destination (St Moritz); rail journey (through the United Kingdom); luxury cruise (through the Mediterranean); golf course (a luxury Sydney day on the green); family luxe options (Fiji and Noosa); walking adventures (the Great Ocean Road); and a luxury health and wellness retreat (in New Zealand). We continue to report on the latest luxury hotel openings, travel accessories, tour operators and airline news throughout the world.

Readers of this summer issue of Luxury Travel magazine are also treated to a special 52-page supplement called The Girls' Guide to Dubai – outlining the best places to dine, shop, stay and play in the luxury United Arab Emirates city.

Luxury Travel magazine is a quarterly print publication now in its 15th year. It is produced in Sydney by Magnesium Media, led by editor-in-chief Susan Borham, new editor Katrina Holden and the publishing team headed by Adam Davy.

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Welcome the Year of the Goat at Fairmont properties in Asia Pacific

This Lunar New Year of the Goat, guests who check into any of the five participating Fairmont properties in Asia Pacific might just strike it rich in a lucky draw. If that's not enough, each hotel is offering attractive perks of up to 50 per cent off the best available rate.



To welcome the Year of the Goat (which falls on 19 February 2015), book a stay at Fairmont Beijing, Fairmont Yangcheng Lake, Fairmont Nanjing, Fairmont Peace Hotel or Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali between 14 and 28 February 2015 and enjoy the Fairmont Chinese New Year Celebration Offer.

In addition to receiving substantial savings off the best available rate, guests get to participate in a sure-win lucky draw at check-in. Prizes include F&B and spa treatment vouchers worth up to RMB200, and room upgrades that are to be redeemed during the stay. Guests are also entitled to the Hong Bao (red packet) Grand Draw that will take place on 18 March 2015. Three lucky winners will each receive a Fairmont Gift Card valued at US$888.

Families who stay in the temperate climates and yearn to escape the winter weather can enjoy the tropical embrace that Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali provides. This latest addition to the Fairmont portfolio in Asia Pacific is offering 25 per cent off the best available rate for its suites. While there, revel in a soothing Balinese massage in the spa, as the children are entertained at the activity-packed kids' club, complete with a mini cinema and Sony PlayStation.

For a more idyllic getaway, Fairmont Yangcheng Lake or Fairmont Nanjing is the perfect pick, especially with the latter's 50 per cent off the best available rate for suites. From Fairmont Nanjing, guests can cruise down the historic Qin Huai River or soak in the nearby Tangshan Hot Spring, ranked as one of the most famous in China. Sitting on the banks of a lake and surrounded by an organic farm and acres of parkland, Fairmont Yangcheng Lake is a rural haven that offers well- appointed urban accommodation.



But there is nothing more thrilling than celebrating the Lunar New Year in China's most renowned cities of Beijing and Shanghai. Reside at the iconic Fairmont Peace Hotel and get 25 per cent off the best available rate for all room types, while the contemporary-styled Fairmont Beijing's is a generous 50 per cent off.

For a full listing of participating hotels, terms and conditions and to make reservations, travelers can visit fairmont.com/asia/chinese-new-year/ or contact their local travel consultant. The Fairmont Chinese New Year Celebration Offer is valid until 28 February 2015.
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Mantra and BreakFree Hotels Partners with Australia's Largest Arts Festival

Mantra and BreakFree Hotels continue to forge ongoing partnerships with the Arts and Entertainment industry, announcing the latest as official accommodation provider for Australia's largest Arts Festival - the Adelaide Fringe.

Fringe organisers, performers and crew will make Mantra and BreakFree hotels their home throughout the 2015 festival season; plus, Fringe-goers can choose from a range of special Fringe Festival accommodation packages at four Mantra and BreakFree hotels around Adelaide.

Mantra Hindmarsh Square Adelaide

“This is an iconic event for Adelaide and one that Mantra and BreakFree Hotels are proud to be partnered with – we look forward to accommodating the array of unique performers and Fringe guests alike,” said Scott Alderson, Mantra Group's Regional Sales & Marketing Manager.

Belinda Redman, Head of Marketing & Business Development, from Adelaide Fringe Festival said the partnership would help ensure the ongoing success of the event:

“Partnerships like this one with Mantra and BreakFree are fundamental to the success of Fringe and we are really pleased to have a range of hotels for those attending our events to choose from.”

Adelaide is set to shed its tag as the city of churches and adopt the glitz, glamour, fun and frivolity of the annual Fringe Festival from 13 February to 15 March 2015. Artists and audiences travel from all over the world to experience this unique festival unlike any other. With over 900 events, 4000 artists, audiences over 1.9 million and a huge opening night parade featuring all participating artists, Adelaide Fringe is Australia's largest and most loved open-access arts festival.

Mantra and BreakFree Hotels are offering 'Experience the Fringe' packages encompassing all things Fringe including two drink vouchers at the official Fringe venue, The Stag restaurant; two passes to the exclusive Fringe Club; an official Fringe Guide to plan your event; late check-out for those late Fringe nights plus breakfast for two and car parking.

Rates start from $144 per night at BreakFree Directors Studio in a Studio room; from $155 per night at BreakFree Adelaide in a Studio Suite; from $207 per night at Mantra on Frome in a Studio Suite; and from $254 per night at Mantra Hindmarsh Square in a One Bedroom Apartment.

'Experience the Fringe' packages can be booked via www.mantra.com.au orwww.breakfree.com.au or by calling 1300 987 604.

With four hotels in Adelaide, Mantra Group has travellers covered with a range of accommodation to suit Fringe goers with different budgets and needs. Mantra Hindmarsh Square and Mantra on Frome are in the heart of the action on the eastern side of the city and offer premium hotel apartment accommodation, perfect for short or long stays.

At the western end of the city, BreakFree Adelaide and BreakFree Directors Studio are the perfect base for travellers on a budget looking for comfortable accommodation in the arts and entertainment district.

Visit www.adelaidefringe.com.au for Adelaide Fringe Festival events and details.
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Get Up & Go's big summer issue 2015

Get Up & Go's big summer issue - Take the train! Locos going everywhere this edition - India, Switzerland, South Africa, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Europe; Julie Walter's talks exclusively to Get Up & Go; we make trunk calls from Thailand; sun ourselves on Santorini; eat ourselves crazy in Hong Kong; celebrate in Vienna and stalk wildlife in Botswana - with a camera of course!

There's a prize of a trip to Ireland with Insight Vacations and Emirates - be in it to WIN it. And there's so much more . . .

Visit: www.getupandgo.com.au
Blog: http://getupandgomagazine.blogspot.com

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Vacations & Travel Magazine Is Out Now

It is overdue, but Australia's hotel scene is finally on the move, with our comprehensive hotel feature the star of the Australian-themed edition of Vacations & Travel, Australia's longest-running travel magazine. It's hot off the press and packed with inspirational photography and feature stories taking you from Christchurch, New Zealand to Havana, Cuba, and everywhere in between.

In this issue, we tantalise your tastebuds with foodie features on Sydney and Tokyo, explore the star-studded skies of Chile's Atacama Desert, visit South Dakota for the Buffalo Round Up, head for the wilds of the Scottish Highlands and check out the ten top things to do in Innsbruck.

We also go behind the lens in South Africa with shots that show off not only its wildlife but also its people and culture. We visit Christchurch to check out the incredible rekindling of the city, give tips on how to shop and save in Kuala Lumpur and cruise down the Sepik in Papua New Guinea to meet the locals. And for those with a penchant for island life, dip your toe in the tropical waters of some of the island hotspots in the Philippines, as well as the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Koh Kood in Thailand.

For more inspiration we review spas and hotels, wineries, ships, books, restaurants and some amazing art galleries and museums.

That's more than 252 pages of essential holiday ideas and information … for just AU$9.95.

PLUS: One lucky subscriber to Vacations & Travel will win an unforgettable four-night vacation to Singapore including return economy class flights with British Airways plus accommodation at The Fullerton Hotel.

To enter, visit vacationsandtravelmag.com.

Vacations & Travel is out now in newsagents. For subscriptions, call Morris Media on +61 2 9555-7477; e-mail info@morrismedia.com.au; download our digital version via the App Store or Google Play or visit www.vacationsmag.com to subscribe to our free fortnightly newsletter.

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get lost's Greatest Animal Adventures

It's the New Year and if there's anything we all love it's making resolutions to see more of the world. At the top of get lost magazine's hit list for 2015 are some of the wildest nature experiences on the planet. In issue 43, we've whittled them down and have the next 12 months covered for you. Our latest special section takes you from the African savannah to a distant ice-capped island to witness a dozen of the most spectacular animal encounters you can possibly imagine.

Just imagine spending June diving with hammerhead sharks in Central America or encountering the largest gathering of wild elephants anywhere in the world in Sri Lanka in October.

“People travel all over the world to see wild animals in their natural habitats,” says get lost publisher Justin Jamieson. “The issue, of course, is that most of the best wild sights are seasonal due to migration patterns and a number of other factors. We came up with a long wish list then narrowed it down to create a creature calendar that takes you from the USA to India. So whatever month ­– or months – you're thinking of travelling over the coming year, you'll know where to find jaguars, wolves or humpback whales.”

Elsewhere in the latest issue, we hike to the top of a volcano in Vanuatu, blow up a li-lo and float down the Breede River at a South African music festival, mountain bike along the wild Yukon, encounter shamans and spiders in the Peruvian Amazon, sample Muscat's nightlife and explore the Katherine River in a kayak.

We also hear from guest contributor Shaun Micallef about his dad's wacky penchant for re-creating movie scenes during family travels across the globe.

You'll find all this and more in the new issue of get lost magazine. On sale 2 January from newsagents and online from Apple Newsstand and Amazon.

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InterContinental Sydney Offers 2 Nights for 1*

InterContinental Sydney has launched an incredible 2 for 1 offer on Facebook, available until Tuesday 13th Jan 2015.

Offer Details:

·         Buy one night, get the second night free (*See T&Cs within Facebook offer)
·         This offer is only available to Facebook fans who "Accept" the offer, and make a booking with InterContinental Sydney In-House Reservations

 
Start and End Dates:      

·         Bookable from:   3rd January – 13th January, 2015
·         Stay from:   3nd January – 14th January, 2015 (inclusive)

 
Terms & Conditions:      

·         Must be booked directly with InterContinental Sydney In-House Reservations
·         Subject to availability with select room types
·         Rate is based on Best Flex Rate
·         Standard booking/cancellation T&Cs apply
·         IHG rewards points able to be earned
·         Offer is non-transferrable
·         Offer applicable for stays from Jan 3 - Jan 14, 2015 only
·         2 for 1 offer only available to new reservations and cannot be combined with any other offer, IHG Ambassador, member or rewards program

Bright Lights Las Vegas

MIX Las Vegas, known for its high energy buzz, bright lights and 24-hour entertainment with Hawaii, known for its stunning scenery, perfect beaches and cocktails, and you get the best of both worlds on ecruising.travel's “Neon Lights and Romantic Sunsets” package.



The 14-night itinerary includes a seven-night roundtrip cruise from Honolulu visiting Kahului in Maui, Hilo, Kona and Nawiliwili in Kauai on board Norwegian Cruise Lines' Pride Of America.

Pride of America offers 18 dining venues, nine bars and lounges, a fitness centre and spa, sports court, three pools and hot tubs, excellent family accommodation and facilities and more balconies than any other ship that cruises Hawaii – perfect for whale watching, witnessing Kilauea Volcano or taking in the dramatic scenery.

Prices start from $5419 per person twin share and include return economy airfares from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne (prices are slightly higher for passengers from Adelaide and Perth) with air taxes, one-way economy airfare from Las Vegas to Honolulu, seven nights cruise accommodation with all main meals, three nights accommodation at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, four nights at the Hilton Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, a Las Vegas helicopter tour, a Pearl Harbour, Arizona Memorial and City tour and transfers.

For more information contact ecruising.travel on 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel
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