Travel, Shop And Save This Christmas

Australian-based boutique travel consultancy, LA Experience has just made Christmas shopping a whole lot more fun this festive season - by combining a Christmas shopping expedition with a luxury holiday in Los Angeles, timed perfectly to coincide with what can only be described as the biggest annual retail sale in the United States, the Thanksgiving super sales in late November.

Grab your friends, mother and sister, and head over to the States for a five-night escape and tick everyone off your Christmas shopping list at the same time. Across the Thanksgiving weekend guests can expect to bag some truly incredible bargains from some of the most loved US brands like Nike, Coach, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Polo Ralph Lauren, Guess and Gap offering up to 70% off.

Leading department stores like Nordstrom, Macys and Bloomingdales are the ultimate shopping meccas, where it would be impossible not to find the perfect present – and Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware are homeware heaven, perfect for dressing the home for Christmas. LA Experience know exactly where to go and a driver is on hand to collect the mountain of shopping bags at each stop - no sore arms on this tour!

It’s not all about buying for others on this trip, it is also the perfect opportunity to sneak in some much deserved pampering time and to enjoy LA like never before. Take a break with your girlfriends before the silly season really kicks off at home and come back rejuvenated and prepared for all of the holiday events.

Guests stay in luxury five-star accommodation at the Montage Beverly Hills and the all-inclusive itineraries include private stylist appointments, a visit to Rodeo Drive, an indulgent afternoon of pampering, lunch at celebrity hotspot The Ivy, and a private driver each evening at some of the coolest restaurants and bars in LA. Fancy seeing Michael Buble perform? That can be arranged too.

Kate, mother of four and a recent LA Experience guest said, “I had an amazing five nights of luxury and I got to see LA in a way I never could have accessed on my own. I also snapped up birthday presents for the year and a few Christmas ones too. My kids love Lego and I was able to buy a whole stack for an unbelievable price and I also purchased a timeless Ralph Lauren trench coat for my daughter that was marked down from USD$250 to USD$70, which she just loves. The prices were amazing and so too was the access to brands that we just can’t get in Australia.”

The only thing you have to arrange is who to go with - the rest is taken care of by LA Experience. And if hubby insists on coming along then no need to worry, he is catered for via a concurrent sports tour – offering a private suite to watch the action of the NBA (basketball) and NFL (ice hockey) leaving you to get down to business.

The itinerary kicks-off in LA on 27th November and prices start from USD$3,950 for four nights all inclusive.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES

2013

27th Nov – 2nd Dec

2014

7th Apr – 14th Apr

22nd May – 27th May

Head to the LA Experience website for a full list of tour dates and further information on what will be the ultimate shopping experience for even the most seasoned retail aficionado! www.laexperience.com

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‘Pack Ya Suitcase’ with 20% off Geckos trips

This week, Geckos has launched a world-wide ‘Pack Ya Suitcase’ sale, with 20% off most trips in Latin America, Africa, South East Asia, Japan, China, the Middle East and Nepal.

From Rio de Janeiro to Istanbul, and Ho Chi Minh City to Kenya, there are a diverse range of trips on offer to satisfy any traveller with a sense of adventure, an open mind and an eagerness to step outside the comfort zone.

Highlighted trips include: 

Riding the Reunification Train :dust off those noise cancelling headphones and select an epic playlist to survive the overnight sleeper train between Vietnam’s best cities. Say hi to Uncle Ho in all his embalmed glory, swap your smelly shirt for something swish at Hoi An’s same-day tailors, and slurp up some pho next to the locals on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

The trip includes 3 nights on the sleeper train, 7 nights in a hotel, 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, local transport and plenty of free time to explore. From $796 per person (was from $995 per person).

The Track to Inca City: the best way to get those legs super toned is to hit the Inca Trail. You’ll do more than your fair share of cursing on your way up to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point at 4200m, but the sweat and tears will be worth it when you watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu’s Gateway of the Sun. Get those happy snaps among the ruins before celebrating with a well-earned beer back in Cusco.

The trip includes 3 nights full service camping on the Inca Trail, 2 nights in a hotel, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, bus transportation and a local guide. From $836 per person (was from $1045 per person).

The 20% off sale is for all new bookings made between now and 30 September 2013 for trips departing prior to 20 December 2013.

For further details on the sale, and for all terms and conditions, visit: www.geckosadventures.com/pack-ya-suitcase

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Crystal Cruises Pays Tribute To WWII's Pacific Theater With January Voyage

This January, Crystal Cruises is offering history buffs the fascinating opportunity to visit some of the most pivotal battlegrounds and historical sites of World War II's Pacific Campaign, along with key experts to share insider perspectives.

On January 19, Crystal Serenity kicks off the first leg of its World Cruise with a carefully crafted Pacific Ocean Odyssey from Los Angeles to Hilo, Honolulu, Guam, Okinawa, Saipan and Tokyo's port of Yokohama. Headlining is best-selling author James Bradley, author of Flags of Our Fathers, the book-turned-Eastwood/Spielberg film about James' father and five other soldiers who were immortalized raising the American flag on Iwo Jima in the iconic Pulitzer-winning photograph.

Providing additional insights, context and history, will be Don Farrell, veteran, Mariana Islands historian and local official inGuam and Tinian and General Anthony Zinni, former Four-Star General and Commander in Chief of U.S. Central Command.

Ashore, guests can experience new WWII-focused Crystal Adventures on almost every island of the itinerary, including:

• On Oahu, up to 14 guests can lunch in the Captain's cabin of the U.S.S. Missouri, the last battleship built by the U.S. and the site of the Japanese surrender which ended the war.
• Excursions to various sites from 1944's Battle of Saipan, including the American Soldiers Landing Point, Banzai Cliff, and the American Memorial Park, which commemorates the Mariana Islands campaign.
• Fly to the island of Tinian (from Saipan), to see the once-massive airbase from whence B-29 bombers carried the atomic bombs "Little Boy" and "Fat Man" for their fateful missions on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• In Okinawa, tour the Japanese Navy's underground headquarters, plus numerous memorials -- such as Peace Memorial Park and the Himeyuri Monument and Peace Museum -- related to the Battle of Okinawa, the largest amphibious assault of the Pacific War.
• Okinawa's Shuri Castle, home of the Japanese military's WWII HQ and now an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Guam's WWII-related memorials or battlegrounds, including Ga'an Point, Asan Beach Park, and other areas of interest within the War in the Pacific National Historical Park.
• Multiple tours explore Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, as well as Oahu's less-famous battlefields, military bases & memorials, such as Wheeler Army Airfield, Schofield Barracks, Ft. Shafter, Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery, and the Home of the Brave Museum.

The voyage will also feature a veterans' get-together of guests and crew of all nations to share personal observances and stories, as well as Ocean Views-themed expert panel discussions of world affairs, with audience input.

"This cruise offers some of the most strategic islands that proved to be key battlefields for both sides during the Pacific Theater," says John Stoll, vice president of land programs. "From the attack on Pearl Harbor which brought the US into WWII to the surrender of Emperor Hirohito and V-J Day in Tokyo Bay aboard the battleship Missouri, excursions span the entire Pacific Campaign.  This fascinating collection of destinations and distinguished group of speakers is sure to invite hours of stimulating discussions."

All-inclusive fares for the 22-day U.S. to Asia cruise start at $8,110/person, with a shorter, 16-day "Getaway" version also available from Honolulu for $5,655/person. Both options offer $900 in savings if booked by August 30.

Crystal's passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences and enriching onboard programming have earned the line top ratings for two decades.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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New voyage to lesser-known Antarctica launched

Peregrine Adventures has launched its 2014-15 Antarctica season which features a new trip to seldom visited sites in Antarctica.

The new 25-day expedition, Antarctica’s Scotia Arc, departs Ushuaia and follows a narrow chain of islands, called the Scotia Arc before calling in at the Falklands and South Georgia. It then heads south to the lesser-known and more remote South Sandwich, South Orkney and South Shetland archipelagos.

The new season also features voyages on the Ocean Diamond for the first time. The Ocean Diamond is a modern, stable super-yacht that carries a maximum of 189 passengers and features onboard amenities such as a massage and wellness program. 

To celebrate the launch of its new 2014-15 Antarctica season, Peregrine is offering an early bird offer on select cabins and suites of up to 20% off for bookings made before 30 September 2013.

Prices start from $6595 per person triple share or take advantage of the early booking discount and book a suite for $10,820 (was $13,525) on the Antarctic Explorer voyage onboard the Ocean Diamond, an 11-day journey departing Ushuaia that captures the highlights of the Antarctica Peninsula.

With the discount, the brand new 25-day Antarctica’s Soctia Arc voyage starts from $21,555 per person triple share or you can take advantage of the early booking discount and secure a luxurious Deluxe Suite with a private balcony for $22,604 (was $28,255).

For details of Peregrine’s 2014 Antarctica program visit http://www.peregrineadventures.com/antarctica-2014-15-offer

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Introducing The Silverneedle® Collection Afternoon Tea Experience Timeless Tea Trails In The Mekong Region

Tea ceremonies are synonymous with Asian service as the ultimate act of welcome.  Through the SilverNeedle^® Collection Afternoon Tea Experience, this timeless tradition comes alive and brings a new era of grace and elegance to the historic destinations of Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang.

SilverNeedle^® Collection’s six premium blends of tea are testament to the bonds that afternoon tea has brought together over the centuries, as well as the long voyage that they took to arrive in South East Asia.  Served in the Northern Lanna capital Chiang Mai at 137 Pillars House, on the historic Rattanakosin Island in Bangkok at Riva Surya, and in the former French colonial town of Luang Prabang at Kiridara, the blends chosen reflect the foundation of tea growing in Thailand and Laos, first introduced from China in the 14^th century using Formosa Teas. Following an evolution in the tea trades through the first Western contact with the Portuguese, the Europeans and the British gradually took to drinking tea in the 17^th century, culminating in the exquisite experience of the afternoon tea. 

Built in scenic locales which convey a tapestry of fabled moments in South East Asian history, the hotels in the exquisite SilverNeedle^® Collection offer a menu of unique and authentic experiences which tie them closely to their respective communities.

In launching its Afternoon Tea experience, SilverNeedle^® Collection Hotels have crafted menus with a combination of local delicacies and regional teas, to showcase the service that has become a hallmark of excellence throughout the brand.  We extend the graciousness and warmth of diverse Asian cultures to create lasting memories for our guests.  The SilverNeedle^® Afternoon Tea is the perfect way to experience one of the many unique and authentic experiences in a most special and desirable location.

The SilverNeedle^® Collection Afternoon Tea Experience offers our guests a chance to sample the unique Royal Darjeeling blend from India, the Classic Earl Grey selection from Sri Lanka; the subtlety of Thailand’s Aromatic Lemongrass and Calming Chamomile herbal infusions; and the fragrant Superior Jasmine blend from China. And of course, our finest Signature SilverNeedle^® Yin Zhen brew from Fujian Province – the ‘grand dame of white teas’- is a definite must try.

 Gathered for just a few days each spring, more than 4,500 buds are needed to make one pound of this rare tea, making it an emblem of excellent hospitality that inspired the name for SilverNeedle^® Hospitality.

The SilverNeedle^® Collection Afternoon Tea Experience is available to hotel guests and day visitors of SilverNeedle^® Collection Hotels.  Our Afternoon Tea guests can indulge in a three-tier-curate stand filled with freshly prepared savoury sandwiches and pastries paired with sweet desserts and cakes. During the introductory period from now till 31 October 2013, guests staying a minimum of three nights on SilverNeedle^® Daily Rates will receive a complimentary Afternoon Tea Experience during their stay.

Riva Surya Bangkok                         

Classic Afternoon Tea: THB 600++ (USD 20++) per person or THB 1,200++ (USD 40++) per couple

Sparkling Afternoon Tea: THB 900++ (USD 30++) per person or THB 1,800++ (USD 60++) per couple with a glass of sparkling wine each

Indulgent Afternoon Tea: THB 5,700++ (USD 190++) per couple with a bottle of champagne

For reservations:

Tel:                  +66 2 633 5000

Email:              stay@rivasuryabangkok.com      Website: www.rivasuryabangkok.com

137 Pillars House Chiang Mai         

Classic Afternoon Tea: THB 600++ (USD 20++) per person or THB 1,100++ (USD 35++) per couple

Sparkling Afternoon Tea: THB 900++ (USD 30++) per person or THB 1,700++ (USD 55++) per couple with a glass of sparkling wine each

Indulgent Afternoon Tea: THB 4,999++ (USD 160++) per couple with a bottle of champagne

For reservations:

Tel:                  +66 53 247 788

Email:              stay@137pillarshouse.com         Website: www.137pillarshouse.com

Kiridara Luang Prabang

Classic Afternoon Tea: USD 15++ per person or USD 25++ per couple

Sparkling Afternoon Tea: USD 25++ per person or USD 40++ per couple with a glass of sparkling wine each

Indulgent Afternoon Tea: USD 80++ per person or USD 95++ per couple with a bottle of champagne

For reservations:

Tel:                  +856 71 261 888

Email:                          stay@kiridara.com                    Website: www.kiridara.com

All prices are subject to applicable service charge and government taxes.

For more information, please visit www.snhcollection.com

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Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa lures fly fishing holidaymakers

Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains presents an irresistible lure for lovers of angling and holiday recreation with a dedicated weekend of fly-fishing.

The resort’s resident wild brown and rainbow trout are rousing from their winter’s rest and are about to go on the bite, whetting the appetites of outdoor enthusiasts and perfectly timed for the Peter Morse Fly Fishing Weekends on 22-24 November, 2013 and 14-16 February, 2014.

Hosted by two of Australia’s finest anglers, Peter Morse and Matt Tripet, novice and experienced caster’s alike can hook into years of professional fly fishing experience with a variety of workshops and seminars that focus on developing and expanding a deeper understanding of fly casting and chasing wild trout with a fly rod in hand.

Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa’s Peter Morse Fly Fishing Weekend Packages start from $444 per person with six people sharing a three bedroom Lake View Apartment and includes two nights accommodation, expert tuition from Peter and Matt throughout the weekend, a welcome drink on arrival, dinner on both nights, lunch on one day, hot buffet breakfast daily, a late check-out on Sunday and full use of resort facilities.

Located on the border of the beautiful and abundant Kosciuszko National Park, Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa provides the perfect base to tackle the ultimate fishing experiences, whether it’s going after the quality trout in the lake or casting a line further afield.

As an ideal place to relax and unwind, Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa has something for everyone from a nine-hole golf course to tennis, archery, scenic walking trails, fitness centre, heated swimming pool, day spa and wellness centre, award-winning dining and more.

To book or for more information, call 1800 020 524 or visit www.lakecrackenback.com.au.

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Morocco from just over $60 a day

Show your clients exotic Morocco from north to south including the bustling souks of Marrakech and the scenic Atlas Mountains from just over $60 a day with Explore Worldwide.

Marrakech Express + Kasbah Capers is an exhilarating 15-day adventure tour which combines a visit to traditional Berber communities with tours of the ‘Red City’ of Marrakech, the capital Rabat and imperial Fes from just $915* per person twin share.

Travel to the heart of the Sahara desert and see the impressive Tinfou Dunes, spend two nights living among Berber tribes in the mountain village of Tagoudiche, discover Marrakech’s famous Djemaa-el-Fna Square and the maze of souks, the fortified town of Kasbah des Oudaias in Rabat and the Blue City of Chefchaouen, and unwind on the beaches of Essaouira - a charming port town on the Atlantic Coast.

Clients will also meet the locals as they travel by local train and bus.

The tour departs Tangier and includes seven nights’ accommodation in simple hotels, two nights in a village house, five nights in standard hotels, 14 breakfasts, two dinners, one lunch, tour leader, drivers, optional local guides and minibus, local bus, train and taxi transport.

Phone 1300 439 756, email res@exploreworldwide.com.au or visit www.exploreworldwide.com.au.

*Terms and conditions apply. Prices are per person, sharing a twin or double room and subject to availability. Marrakech Express and Kasbah Capers (15 days) is valid for sale until 18 Dec 13 and travel until 22 Dec 13. The advertised price is based on the Standard itinerary and is valid for departures 27 Oct, 17 Nov & 22 Dec 13. Prices are accurate as at 12 Aug 13 and are subject to change. All international airfares are excluded. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel. 

Single supplements apply. Tempo Holidays Pty Ltd trading as Explore Worldwide ABN 51007331213, License No. 31341

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New World Cup holiday from Bespoke Brazil

As tickets go on sale tomorrow for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Bespoke Brazil, the specialist Brazil tour operator, releases a holiday to Rio de Janeiro to coincide with the final matches of the World Cup tournament.

As independent travellers may already be aware, finding accommodation in Rio de Janeiro for the 2014 World Cup will be a challenging and generally costly experience due to the restrictions placed on hoteliers by FIFA and of course due to the high demand from both national and international visitors. Hotels are enforcing lengthy periods of minimum stays which are increased the closer it gets to the final.

Luckily, as a specialist operator in Brazil, we have been able to access a number of hotel rooms which are unavailable to the general public.

Bespoke Brazil director Simon Williams says, "Sourcing hotel availability in Rio de Janeiro has been made very difficult due to FIFA's stringent controls over hotel allocations and many booking websites are showing hotels are fully booked. This may be true for some hotels however in many instances it is not the case. Thankfully we have been able to gain access to a number of rooms in Ipanema and Copacabana. This includes the exclusive Fasano, which despite requiring a full month booking period, is ideal for clients in search of the very best in the city and is a favourite of celebrities although comes with a price tag to match. An ocean view deluxe room at the Hotel Fasano for the whole month will cost £56,400!"

Based on the number of enquiries we have had, many people will be looking to focus their holiday to the World Cup solely on Rio de Janeiro and with good reason. Rio is an incredible city with so much to keep the visitor entertained and will be doubly so whilst the World Cup is on with the usual fan parks planned for around the city. Football fans will revel in the atmosphere which is unique to all World Cups, coupled with the Brazilian passion for all things football. "Simply sitting on the beach at Copacabana with a caiprinha (the Brazilian cocktail) in hand and watching the footvolley will enthral the football fans" says Simon

"Due to the overwhelming demand we have experienced we have put together a nine day package to the final week of the World Cup enabling visitors to enjoy the city whilst the tournament reaches its climax. We expect demand to only increase further when the ticketing process opens on Tuesday 20th August"

Bespoke Brazil offers a nine day package to the World Cup which includes 8 nights at the Hotel Royal Tulip Regente on Copacabana Beach in an ocean front deluxe room with sweeping views of the beach and bay. 

The package includes arrival and departure transfers as well as private tours of Corcovado and Sugar Loaf with an English speaking guide for £4199 per person.

International flights are not included and neither are match tickets which are only available directly through the FIFA website - http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/index.html 

To book this holiday please visit our website and is subject to availability -  http://www.bespokebrazil.com/world_cup_itinerary.html  We can also be contacted on 01603 340680 or via info@bespokebrazil.com

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Avalon Offers Free Flights with Mekong Cruise

Avalon Waterways is offering free flights with one of its most exotic river cruises, a 14-day journey on the mighty Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia.

The offer is available on select departures of the Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong River itinerary during September and October, 2013, and represents savings of up to $2580 per couple.

Priced from $3962* per person twin share, the itinerary travels between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok and includes two days among the famed temples and ruins of Angkor Wat.

It includes seven nights aboard the boutique explorer Avalon Angkor, a 16-cabin ship built especially for the waters of the Mekong River.  At 40m, it is the only luxury vessel small enough to sail all the way to Siem Reap, avoiding many hours of transfer by road.

Also included are three nights in Ho Chi Minh City, two nights in Siem Reap, one night in Bangkok and air travel between Siem Reap and Bangkok. Post-cruise extensions are available to Luang Prabang in Laos or Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.

Avalon’s offer provides free return flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide with Cathay Pacific, including taxes.  It is available with cruise departures on September 6, 20 and 26, and October 4, 10, 18 and 24, 2013.

For full details and bookings see licensed travel agents, visit www.avalonwaterways.com.au or phone 1300 230 234.

*Prices and special offer subject to availability and conditions.

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Seadreaming Will Give You A Different Approach To Bali

A UNIQUE 5-star sailing to Bali from Singapore is not only aboard the world’s highest-rated boutique passenger vessel making its first-ever visit to Asia, but includes calls to one of the planet’s most beautiful archipelagos, a port that dates back to the 9^th century and is still rich with Dutch colonial history, and the island home of the world’s largest lizard – the 3m, 130kg Komodo Dragon.

The mega motor-cruiser SeaDream II, that has a crew of 95 to serve just 112 guests in 56 staterooms, will depart Singapore on January 11 next year for Seribu within the so-called One Thousand Islands, 9^th century Semarang, Lembar on Lombok Island, Komodo Island that’s a National Park, and Benoa on Bali.

There are also two days at sea to simply relax, enjoy SeaDream II’s Spa that is one of only two at-sea members of the Thai Spa Association (the other is aboard sister-vessel SeaDream I) or join-in interesting and educational onboard lectures… and with a country club smart-casual ambience, you’ll find there’s no need for jackets, ties or formal attire at night.

Prices for the 7-day Singapore-Bali sailing begin from US$3954pp twin-share; for full details from Julie Denovan, Director Business Development Australia and New Zealand (02) 9958 4444, jdenovan@seadream.com or visit www.seadream.com

SEADREAM II offers an inclusive holiday-at-sea with 5-star dining including wines, open bars, nightly cocktail gatherings, a 30 championship course golf simulator, fitness centre, onboard gratuities, and port charges and taxes all included in the price.

There is also a duty-free boutique, the Spa and a small nightly 1-table casino – about the only three places aboard where charges are incurred.

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