Tourism Support Blog

The Doc creates the perfect hotel room

Fri, 11 May 2012 02:11:00 GMT

It's said that there's no place like home, but don't believe it.

There are some hotel rooms so comfortable and so well-designed for which in your fantasy moments you'd happily swap your own home if you could (particularly in light of the prevailing attitude of Australian banks towards downward interest rates).

On one recent trip I tried to figure out how many hotel rooms I've stayed in over the years in my rather fortunate life as a travel writer and inveterate traveller.

I quickly abandoned the count since there must be hundreds, possibly thousands, of rooms to which I've checked in and out.

But then I thought, what if I created my ultimate hotel room from my favourite features at the various hotels where I've been a guest over the years, and which hotels would qualify? As an exercise it's proved a lot harder than I imagined, but here goes:

The view

One feature that I find overrated is the view. After a day or so you tire of it and then you're just left pondering the extra expense incurred in securing it. But, then again, anyone who tires of looking at the enduringly elegant Eiffel Tower is surely tired of life. Few Parisian hotels match the location of the posh Plaza Athenee, which affords spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower from many of its rooms, including the nightly light-show during which time the structure is dazzlingly illuminated with thousands of choreographed fairy-lights.

Special mention also goes to the Oberoi Amarvillas in Agra, India, which boasts the only full-frontal view of the Taj Mahal, while at Longitude 131 you can recline the bed in your luxury tent accommodation as you watch the sun rise over Uluru. Heaven.

The gadgets

Hi-tech hotel rooms drive me mad. Give me a standard light switch that I can find in the dark anytime (and please don't hide them behind heavy curtains so that I can't find them when I want to go to sleep). But at the luxurious Peninsula Tokyo, located in the famed Ginza district, they've somehow managed to make hotel hi-tech accessible. When your bedside room phone rings in the middle of the night, or first thing in the morning for a wake-up call, a soft blue down-light beam on it, meaning you needn't switch on the room-light to answer it. Elsewhere in the room theres a display panel with the current outside temperature and wind-speed (perfect for deciding on how to dress for the day).

Then, in the walk-in wardrobe theres a nail-dryer for female guests on the run. Of course, this being Japan, there's a fully-automated electric toilet with a lid that raises the moment you approach it. (Unfortunately, it annoyingly kept opening each time I passed the cubicle on the way to the hand-basin).

The bath

The bath in my suite at Tobira Onsen Myojinkan near the small, central Honshu city of Matsumoto, was actually outside, just a few steps from the room itself. When I stayed at this Japanese spa some years ago it was winter.

There were icicles hanging from the roof over the bath overlooking a gently flood-lit snowy, cedar-studded hill. Undeterred I plunged in with the water at a reassuring 40C-plus. Pure bliss, but don't dawdle getting back to the room proper.

The shower

It wasn't necessarily the best shower I've ever experienced but it was certainly the quirkiest. At Klapsons, a design hotel in Singapore, the spa-age shower recess, in a clever room-saving measure, is enclosed in a Perspex cylinder in the middle of your room.

The bathroom

The One&Only Cape Town is a contender for my best view from a hotel room award as it's located right below the South African city's iconic Table Mountain. But the one (though not only) memory I took away from this hotel was the extraordinary, open-plan bathrooms. There were double basins and vanities and a large, egg-shaped jacuzzi tub from which you could linger and savour the view of Cape Town's broody landmark as well as a daily aromatherapy bath menu.

The bathrobe

This item has become standard kit, and not just at five-star hotels. Ideally it should feel new (or near new), it should not be scratchy and it must be sufficiently discreet and long enough to be able to greet room service or housekeeping without any unfortunate mishaps. My most recent favourite was found at The Fullerton on the Bay in Singapore. It was so damned soft and fluffy that I could have released it off my balcony looking across from the Marina Bay Sands casino complex and it could have been mistaken for a low cloud.

The bed

This is a hard one - not the bed itself, but the task of choosing one. Hotels these days go to great lengths to get the guest bed comfort factor right, even to the point of having them custom-made to their own specifications and available for sale to appreciative guests. As I find this one too difficult to answer, I'm going to defer to my partner's advice. She has never stopped enthusing about the bed in our room at the Le Royal Siem Reap, near the fantastic ruins of Angkor Wat, though we did stop short of buying it.

The television

At the Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris the legendary designer Philippe Starck has solved the problem of oversized TVs hogging vital room space by embedding them in full-length feature mirrors. Just use the remote control to switch on the TV and the screen magically appears, right where the reflection used to be. When the TV is not in use you can use the mirror as normal, or groom yourself while simultaneously watching CNN.

The espresso machine

When I checked the room service menu during a recent stay at aforementioned The Fullerton on the Bay, I almost fell out of bed when I saw the charge for a cappuccino delivered to the suite. Fortunately the room featured an espresso machine, increasingly (and happily) a standard feature at many hotels, and not just five-star ones, with an open box displaying the largest selection of coffee pod varieties imaginable. It also meant I didn't have to worry about greeting room service in my bathrobe.

The room service

Speaking of room service, it helps if you love Japanese cuisine but in my (travelogue) book the best room service in the world is that offered at Japanese ryokans, or traditional inns. Inevitably delicious, lavish Japanese meals, both breakfast and dinner, are included in the tariff, and are graciously delivered to your tatami-matted, paper-walled room. The food usually includes local seasonal ingredients and specialities, providing a true sense of place. Of course, you sit on the floor to partake your meal and you're encouraged to slip in your cotton yukata (Japanese bathrobe) for extra comfort.

Read Doc Holidays weekly travel advice column in the Escape lift-out the News Ltd Sunday papers nationally. Send your travel-related questions to doc@docholiday.com.au

How to cope with a rainy break

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:51:00 GMT

escape, news.com.au

Saving for a rainy day is all very well, but it's not exactly what you had in mind when you planned for that fun-in-the-sun getaway.

Image: Good planning can help make even a wet holiday enjoyable. Picture: Getty.

So, just how do you cope when your holiday parade's been rained on? Productivity and performance coach Diana Pettie says it's all in the approach, pointing out "naming and acknowledging" your disappointment is OK because it will help ease the emotions your tribe, partner or group of friends is feeling. But then you must move on and be proactive.

Reappraising the situation to give a different perspective will support a shift in attitude and help you look at the bright side, she says.

In other words, put a positive spin on it, discuss your options and make the best of the situation.

"Getting those upset about the situation to make their own connections about the positive side will have a better impact than you pointing it out," she says.

For those who fear the idea of raindrops falling on their head while on holiday there are plenty of alternatives no matter where you go Down Under.

On the Gold Coast, head for the theme parks: Dreamworld, Sea World, and especially Movie World have large, covered venues. And, if you choose Wet 'n' Wild, well, you're going to get wet anyway so go on and get wet and wild.

In Sydney, you can take the Harbour Bridge Pylon 200 steps for a great view of the Opera House. Darling Harbour offers decent indoor shopping opportunities as well as the Powerhouse Museum, Imax, Wild Life World and Sydney Aquarium.

Perth has the Observatory, Cultural Centre, Scitech and Harbour Town. Canberra has Parliament House,

Questacon, the Australian War Memorial, the National Museum of Australia and National Gallery.

In Melbourne, sporty types may want to head to the MCG for a tour of one of our country's best-loved and historic sports arenas and the National Sport Museum. Otherwise, try the Melbourne Museum, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Scienceworks, the State Library or Old Melbourne Jail.

Adelaide is known as the City of Churches why not go and check them out? And in Tasmania you can ward off the cold with a hot chocolate under cover at the Cadbury Factory.

And don't forget, most cities you visit may have cinemas, roller skating, ten-pin bowling, mini golf, indoor play centres, undercover pools and leisure centres. Then there is always a nearby day spa or restaurant to indulge in while the heavens open outside.

So, with the right outlook and some basic preparation for alternatives if the weather turns nasty, the forecast for a great holiday can actually be promising.

What other advice could you give those looking for some fun on their wet weather holidays?

Lessons learned from Air Australia's collapse - if you travel uninsured, you're a bloody idiot

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:44:00 GMT

Anthony Denis news.com.au

Australians may be enjoying the benefits of a first-class exchange rate that allows us a greater than ever ability to travel, and to travel well.

But, ultimately, Australia’s cashed-up travellers remain second-class citizens when the going (away) gets tough.

Image: Stranded Air Australia passengers sleep with their luggage at Phuket International Airport after their flight was cancelled.

First it was Qantas that felt it acceptable to strand its Australian and foreign customers around the world; then the misguided minnow, Air Australia, saw fit to push its business to the brink - right to the point, in fact, when it literally ran of money to purchase fuel, leaving its passengers flightless.

Of course, the so-called aviation experts, who tend to value nuts and bolts than flesh and blood when it comes to flying, have been saying that nearly everyone in the industry knew that Air Australia would fail.

Why, too, didn’t the Federal Government know?

Airlines are scrupulously monitored for safety standards but, so it seems, not for their propriety when it comes to the financial and practical welfare of their customers.

Why did the authorities allow the airline to reach the stage where it couldn’t afford to even re-fuel its aircraft, running the obvious risk of stranding thousands of passengers, many of them inexperienced travellers with meagre budgets?

As Choice, the dogged consumer watchdog, said last week: “The stranding of Air Australia passengers is just the latest example of the need for a built-in passenger safety net in the airline industry and a travel industry ombudsman to make sure it works - something Choice called for in a submission to [the Federal Government] in April last year.

“We laid out a clear case for a compensation scheme including insolvency protection, but Air Australia passengers will have no such support.

"Airlines in the UK, for example, charge a small levy on airline tickets to be used to help travellers stranded by airline failures. Australia’s take on this, the Travel Compensation Fund, only covers travel agent collapses, not airlines.”

Here, for what it’s worth, are five, blunt lessons from the Doc from last week’s Air Australia debacle, though don’t expect the Federal Government, the travel industry, or its customers for that matter, to learn from their repeated mistakes.

Lesson one: If something goes wrong, you’re on your own

If an Australian books a holiday through an Australian travel agent, and it collapses, they are protected by the Travel Compensation Fund (provided the agent is a participant in the program). But, as Choice points out, there is no such fund to support consumers in the event of an airline failure, as in the Air Australia episode, despite Australia’s chequered history of airline collapses.

Time and again, the Australian travel industry - specifically airlines - have shown that they’re more than prepared to seriously inconvenience their passengers in order to satisfy their business objectives, or lack of them. Yet successive Federal Governments have done nothing to protect passengers from the effects of airline grounding.

Lesson two: Help is not at hand

Don't depend on the Federal Government to come to your aid if you’re stranded by a failed airline. The Air Australia collapse rated a noticeably lowly mention on the Government's Smart Traveller travel advisory homepage at the weekend.

It advised passengers affected by the grounding to contact their travel agent or travel insurance provider to arrange alternative flights. To be fair, there is a limit what governments can do to help travellers, particularly those who have failed to heed warnings about not travel. But it's certainly worth travelling with that knowledge when overseas.

Lesson three: Naivety is the traveller’s worst friend

If it seems dodgy, it probably is. All well in hindsight, I concede, but often smaller and cheaper is not always best, as the failure of Air Australia has shown.

Although the bigger players can be just as vulnerable and cynical as the minor ones, you’re less likely to get into trouble when you stick to the strength, especially as the major carriers belong to alliances with associate airlines more prepared to help out in a crisis.

Lesson four: Good travellers have more funds

Easier said than done but it pays to set aside, or have access to, at least emergency funds when travelling overseas in the event of a mishap when you can suddenly feel a long, long way from home. Even if you have travel insurance you may have to pay for a replacement air-fare to get home, as well as possible accommodation, transport, communication and good before you are reimbursed.

Don’t depend on relatives and friends to help you out as they may be as broke as you are.

Lesson five: If you travel uninsured, you’re a bloody idiot

An astounding aspect of the Air Australia episode is how many people were affected despite the carrier's small size. It’s also the perfect example of why you should never travel without comprehensive travel insurance.

Considering the frequency of corporate collapses in the travel industry it may be time for government to consider adopting a “no travel insurance, no travel” policy to protect travellers from themselves.

YOUR SAY: Would you support tougher consumer protection laws for Australian travellers? Leave your comment below.

Read Doc Holiday’s weekly travel advice column in the Escape lift-out in all of the News Ltd Sunday papers. Send your travel-related questions to doc@docholiday.com.au

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advisor/lessons-learned-from-air-australias-collapse-if-you-travel-uninsured-youre-a-bloody-idiot/story-e6frfqfr-1226276886326#ixzz1nYt8KcQ6

A tropical dream come true

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:49:00 GMT

By Gillian Cumming, escape

Fiji is on our doorstep 330 islands strewn over 250,000sq km of sapphire-hued South Pacific.
It morphs from jungle in the wetter north, to palm-fringed paradise in the Mamanuca outcrops off Viti Levu in the south.

And the Fijians. So welcoming.

Image: Tokoriki Island Resort in the Mamanucas. Picture: Supplied

In fact, the welcome song, sung wherever you go, is an upbeat start to any holiday. But when you leave, expect the soulful tones of the Fijian farewell in our case, at Tadrai Island Resort, sung in falsetto by a 21-year-old gentle giant named Seru.

Tadrai Island Resort (pronounced "Tandrai" and meaning "the dream") is a new getaway. On the northern side of Mana Island in the Mamanucas, the slick design and interiors speak understated, refined class.

There are five beachfront bures (plunge pool, palatial outdoor bathroom, the latest mod-cons) and three beaches, and it's all strictly for couples.

An option is to transfer from Nadi Airport in a 10-minute chopper ride.

There is a staff-to-guest ratio of two to one; meals are prepared by Tetsuya-trained chef Chad Arthur at the Na Vatu restaurant; spa services, fishing trips and water sports are available.

A short trek with Seru to the island's "mountain minus the metreage" reveals an ideal vantage point to see the turquoise waters swirl around coral reefs and sand bars. Later, a full-body massage.

Seru takes us snorkelling the next day. We swim over a coral shelf into an abyss, where we spy rainbow-coloured parrot fish and large fluorescent blue starfish.

In the late afternoon, Seru demonstrates the art of husking a coconut, which he does with little effort and at startling speed. Tap, tap, tap with his long, sharp, timber wedge, and the coconut cracks in two.

Our next stop is at the adults-only Qamea Resort and Spa. Across from the garden island of Taveuni in Fiji's north, considered off the beaten track, Qamea (pronounced Gamea) comprises 17 beachfront bures set in 40ha of gardens with jungle-covered hills as a backdrop.

We arrive on a Friday. It's Meke night, a heart-lifting experience where traditionally dressed villagers pass their history from one generation to the next through song and dance.

Things move at a fairly relaxed pace here. Island time. Organised morning activities include a pearl farm tour, mountain hike on Taveuni to Bouma Waterfalls, Lavena coastal walk, basket weaving, cooking class and church service.

Afternoons are free for guests to snorkel, sail, visit the spa or talk to the staff marine biologist about this soft-coral mecca.

I attended the Sunday service back on Taveuni Island at Vatusogosogo village. Here, the tides of change are indiscernible in the exquisite setting, which magnifies the isolation. The church overlooks the bay. Parishioners, who sat cross-legged on the floor, welcomed the resort's visitors. We, too, sat cross-legged.

In the evenings at the resort, guests tend to gather for a pre-dinner drink in the Chief's House, the dining bure. Qamea's cuisine makes the most of the island's organic fruit and vegetables in traditional Fijian dishes that emphasise local fish catches, as well as Western alternatives that favour an American diet.

And the resort has a jungle spa.

Back to the Mamanucas, where our next destination is this most northern island's 4 1/2-star, adults-only Tokoriki Island Resort. Its 34 bures have a westerly aspect, which makes for striking sunsets. Fringed by a barrier reef, a lagoon rings most of the island.

Tokoriki operates a giant clam regeneration project and its water pursuits include reef snorkelling, wreck diving, kayaking and fishing. Trips off the island can take you to a traditional village or somewhere like Monuriki, the uninhabited island used for the Tom Hanks film Cast Away.

The new spa is part of the Senikai chain and treatments include a yava spa pedicure and exfoliating papaya body wrap rejuvenation that left my skin as smooth as a babe's.

The writer was a guest of Qamea Resort and Spa, Tadrai Island Resort and Tokoriki Island Resort.

FIJI

Getting there

Virgin Australia, Air Pacific and Qantas fly direct from Sydney to Nadi.

Getting around

Island hopping: For helicopter island transfers and scenic flights, see helicopters.com.fj

Transfers: See rosieholidays.com.au

Cruises: South Sea Cruises offers day cruise and island resort connections throughout Fiji's Mamanuca and Yasawa islands, from high-speed catamaran to classic sailing schooner, plus tailored trips, see ssc.com.fj

Staying there

Qamea Resort and Spa, see qamea.com

Tokoriki Island Resort, see tokoriki.com

Tadrai Island Resort, see tadrai.com

Have you stayed in Fiji? Would you recommend it to others as an ideal holiday destination?

Best places for an overseas wedding

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Christina Pfeiffer news.com.au

Image: Bride and groom at One Foot Island, Cook Islands. Picture: Christina Pfeiffer.

Weddings in Australia cost an average of $36,000, so it's no surprise lovebirds are casting an eye overseas in an attempt to save their shekels.

For less than half the average price, you can have an extravagant wedding in an exotic destination with the works, as well as pay for your flights and accommodation and still have money left over for a honeymoon.
Statistics show Aussie couples are increasingly tying the knot abroad.

Image: Wedding celebrations in Phuket, Thailand. Picture: Christina Pfeiffer.

In 2010, Cook Islands reported 186 marriages of Australian residents, which is a 14 per cent increase from the previous year, while the Italian Consulate had 170 applications for the atto notorio, an affidavit that allows couples to marry in Italy.

Another highly popular wedding destination for Aussies is Fiji, where the latest figures show that 49 per cent of foreigners married there were from Australia.

When Narelle Williams started her destination wedding business, Global Weddings, eight years ago, she was organising 10 weddings a year.

Now, she employs four full-time staff in Australia and two in Bali.

"We organised 150 weddings this year, which is a 70 per cent increase from the year before, and we're expecting more than 150 weddings in 2012," Williams says. "Bali is our most popular destination."

New company Select Vacations has released a brochure that gives travel agents the option to book wedding packages at 20 resorts in 12 foreign destinations such as Thailand, Fiji, the Cook Islands and

Tahiti.

"I owned Honeymoon Worldwide Holidays for 11 years and found that we were getting a lot of requests for marriages overseas," managing director Jean Kouriel says.

"We've made it easy for travel agents to take the booking by handling everything from the legalities to organising a banquet for hundreds including catering, reception, flowers and photography."

Then there's the do-it-yourself option, which is relatively simple in Fiji, the Cook Islands and Bali. But do your research, as the paperwork can be a pitfall in some destinations such as Thailand and Santorini.

To help couples with the legal side, Marry Me Abroad has introduced DIY packages where customers choosing to marry in Italy can buy a basic package for $300, which includes consultation and document handling.

Here are our experts' 10 most popular destinations for an overseas wedding:

1. Fiji

Float on the ocean in a canoe with tattooed Fijian warriors by your side. With sandy beaches, resorts to suit a variety of budgets and short flights, it's easy to see why couples are tying the knot in this South Pacific paradise.

2. Thailand

Riding down the aisle on an elephant with a troupe of Thai dancers in tow will make any bride feel majestic. And having a baby elephant at the reception has novelty value. Thailand is a popular halfway choice for those with friends and family in the UK but make sure to take care of the paperwork in Bangkok first.

3. Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is an idyllic and tranquil location to say "I do" all year round and will leave you with memories of romantic sunsets and lapping waves. Say your vows on a beach, in a garden, in a church or by the world's most beautiful lagoon. And direct flights from Sydney now make marrying in the Cook Islands easier than ever.

4. Bali

Impress your guests with fire dancers, bongo boys and gelato carts. A baby tiger costs $350 an hour. Bali is a comparatively trouble-free destination for a Western-style wedding with all the trimmings, and there are plenty of accommodation options for guests.

5. Italy

A strong Aussie dollar means swapping vows in a Venetian gondola, on a cliff overlooking the Amalfi coastline or in an ancient castle has become affordable. Italy has long been a favourite romantic destination for Aussies, and couples planning a honeymoon in Europe will have time to recover from jet lag before the big trip.

6. Santorini

The Greek island of Santorini has all the ingredients for a dreamy Mediterranean wedding. Take home stunning photographs of bride and groom against white buildings and blue sky and ocean. The paperwork can be a headache, so think about employing an expert to take care of the legalities.

7. Vanuatu

Vanuatu's pristine beaches and volcanic landscape are the perfect backdrop for a romantic island wedding with warrior dancers and flame torches.

8. Mauritius

French-Creole culture, sega dancers swaying, a dramatic mountain backdrop and sandy beaches make this Indian Ocean paradise an exotic place to celebrate your big day. Most hotels in Mauritius are experienced at putting on a good show.

9. Paris

Paris is a romantic but demanding wedding location. You must live in France for 40 days before the wedding to make it legal. Many couples choose to complete the legal side at home before heading to Paris to say their vows and snap memorable wedding photos around the City of Love.

10. French Polynesia

Gentle ukulele music, blessings by a Tahitian priest, a romantic dinner under the stars and a night in an overwater bungalow has to be a recipe for a heavenly wedding. It's a favourite destination for honeymooners and couples renewing their vows, and recent legislation changes mean that it's now legal to marry in French Polynesia.

>> THREE DEALS

Low:

Malolo Island Resort, Fiji, is offering a free wedding for couples who book a five-night stay from $F3445 (about $A1800) a room.

The wedding package includes floral leis, flowers, sparkling wine on arrival, escort and transfers to Nadi Registry Office, the ceremony and celebrant. likulikulagoon.com

Medium:

Sunlover Holidays has five nights' accommodation at Te Vakaroa Villas, Cook Islands, in a one-bedroom villa, marriage celebrant and marriage licence, flowers, return airport and registry transfers, fresh flower lei, fruit platter and a bottle of wine on arrival, breakfast, a picnic hamper with sparkling wine, lagoon cruise and a couples massage from $1818 a person, twin share.

Valid for travel until March 31, 2013. Ph 138 833 or see sunloverholidays.com.au

High:

Select Vacations has a five-night package at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa staying in a diamond overwater junior suite with breakfast and extras such as return speedboat transfers, a Royal Beach wedding ceremony with musicians and dancers, a romantic gourmet dinner on the beach with French champagne and a 2 1/2-hour honeymoon spa session, for $11,655.

Ph 300 731 531 or see tahiti.interconti.com

More info at:

globalweddings.com.au
marrymeabroad.com
selectvacations.com.au

How chance meetings are the pinnacle of travel

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:30:00 GMT

The Naked Traveller, news.com.au

I've seen some weird stuff and had some strange things happen to me during my travels. But nothing comes close to this one.

Image: Chance meetings can be one of the best parts of travelling. Picture: supplied

During my early twenties I was on an exchange in the US. On autumn break, while visiting a friend at the University of Michigan, I somehow got chatting to a random American guy.

Suddenly mid-conversation he said: “I know you. You’re Paul Hansford. We used to live opposite you in England and we used to play football in the street together.”

It turns out his family visited England 10 years before on his own exchange and he remembered me from our street kick-arounds. We never knew each other that well and didn’t stay in touch after he left, but for some reason, a decade on, our paths had crossed again.

The chances of meeting him were staggering – what were the odds on me being in Michigan and striking up enough of a conversation with a complete stranger to the point where we remembered we were long-lost pals?

I often think about meeting him – his name was Phil - and what it meant. With the odds stacked against us ever being even in the same area code – let alone meeting and recognising each other – I often think there must have been a reason for us making contact.

In hindsight, I think our encounter took place to prepare me for a life of travel. It shaped my outlook, taught me to always expect the unexpected and not be fazed when thrown a curveball. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt while travelling it’s that weird things are going to happen – and you should just roll with it.

In fact, for me these serendipitous events are the pinnacle of the travel experience.

Sure, seeing the sights of a destination and immersing yourself in a culture is what you are spending your “hard earned” on, but when you have an experience that defies belief, like I had with Phil, it’s something money can’t buy. For me, the “unexplainable” is better than anything else that happens on a trip.

For one, these events encapsulate everything we strive for when travelling. They are true, personal experiences, not ones based on a package or mass tourism. The unplanned, unexplainable nature of them feeds our need to feel like we’re doing something special, that we’re gaining some perspective or life experience which we wouldn’t have got if we had stayed home.

They also keep us grounded, telling our subconscious that the world is small and we’re safe out in the big bad world. They tell us there are always people you know nearby, whether you realise it or not. And they’re something that stays with you for a lot longer than the memory of seeing an ancient ruin or beautiful piece of scenery.

The “hows”, “whys” and “WTF just happened?” get played out in your mind again and again. “What if I hadn’t turned around at that exact point? How many other friends have I brushed past without realising? And I could really do with bumping into that guy from uni who owes me $50 right about now.”

But nothing surprises me anymore. Recently I bumped into an old pal on a crowded street in New York’s SoHo and while he was a little freaked, I just chatted away like it was a normal occurrence. While I’m still amazed these things happen, I’m not surprised. I just have a wry smile and chalk another one up to the “Phil effect”.

Take a break, don't break up

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:41:00 GMT

Sarah Nicholson, News.com.au

Images: Tourism professionals say holidays can be make or break for holiday goers.

QANTAS cabin crew always know when they're about to welcome a group of good friends on to an aircraft.

"If we get a large group travelling together, particularly ladies going somewhere special on a weekend away, we hear them coming down the aerobridge because there's a wave of loud, cackling laughter that comes before them," Qantas customer service manager Kath Gregory explains.

"It's when they get to the aircraft door that we start to notice members in the group playing different roles one person will have all the boarding passes and they will be the organiser, telling everyone where they're sitting and saying who will have the window seats," Gregory says.

"The fitness fanatic will be the one thinking about hydration, keeping the water up during the flight we can pick those people by how much water they're drinking and because they do the exercises, you see them standing at the door rolling their ankles.

"We know the groups who travel well together because they will stand up and chat, or they will be talking across the seats."

As the flight goes on the people playing the other roles start to reveal themselves the foodie will want to know about the wines offered during the meal service, the motivator will help the friend with a fear of flying, and the happy snapper will be working the camera to document the journey.

Gregory, who has been a flight attendant for 13 years, says it's during the return hop that a crew will see individuals who should not be travelling together because a group will have "fractured", with everyone keeping to themselves.

"We had one couple that broke up on an A380 flight," she says.

"They had been to Europe and then, on the flight home, the engagement was called off and it was very tricky for the crew to manage because it wasn't a good break and we literally had to put them on different decks of the aircraft and stop them from using the stairs.

"They thought they were compatible when they went away, they got engaged on their holiday, and it was broken up by the time they landed back in Sydney, so travelling together showed them they weren't compatible after all."

So, who should we be travelling with to ensure we're still talking on the way home?

According to Dr Cindy Nour, a clinical psychologist practising in Sydney, it's all about selecting travelling companions with similar tastes and setting ground rules long before departure.

"It's about being honest and setting that up from the beginning, before you book and put down your deposit," she says.

"Make it part of the agreement before you go away agreeing you will talk about things, having clear boundaries, and giving everyone a heads up about what you will each need during the trip will make the relationships last and increase the enjoyment of the travel experience."

Nour says that while "compromise, negotiation and communication" are the big three when it comes to getting along on the road, it's also important to join forces with people who are easygoing.

"You need to choose someone who doesn't get irritable all the time, who can go with the flow and manage stress, and cope with change," she says. "Travel isn't like a typical outing with friends, like going for a meal and having a chat you're going to be in each other's space 24/7.

"Someone's personality isn't going to change while they're on holidays. If there's a problem, it might not be that they changed but that you didn't know them that well before departure, and if someone shows particular qualities when at home, you can rely it's how they're going to be when you're away."

Matt Casey, general manager at Saffire Freycinet on Tasmania's beautiful east coast, says a simple love of travel is often enough to bind a group together.

"We find more and more people travelling together once a year after meeting on a previous trip," he says.

"They will have breakfast together, separate to do something like a spa visit, unite to do an activity, do their own thing for a couple of hours in the afternoon, and then get back together for dinner, and we can tell people who travel well together because they sit in the lounge and talk and just enjoy being there.

"Coming here with a group of friends is about experiencing something special together, something that's very meaningful to all of you, and something you can all interact with and talk about. Staying at Saffire Freycinet is about creating memories that last a lifetime."

Gregory adds it's just as important to take a close look at yourself when putting a group together to visit a special destination.

"Travelling with someone is a test on any relationship whether it's friends, partners, lovers, family it's always a test because you are spending more time together than you normally would," she says.

"You really have to look at yourself and realise you will change when you travel.

"I have travelled with friends and had a great time but by the end of it the small things started to annoy all of us. It's about knowing what those small things are and telling yourself not to sweat the small stuff."

HANDLING THE IN-LAWS

Dr Cindy Nour jokes that if there is one person we should all avoid travelling with it's our mother-in-law.

But the Sydney clinical psychologist knows there are times we can't avoid holidaying with our partner's relatives, so she has some tips to help those facing a vacation with the other half of the family tree.

"It's probably not good to complain to your partner about their family," she explains.

"Take something away to keep you occupied like books or an iPad, arrange to meet friends while you are travelling if you can, or plan a few hours doing something that you like.

"Shorten the length of time you're going to be together. If it's Christmas, let your partner go away with their family for a few days early and then join them on Christmas Day and travel home together.

"At the end of the day, it's about being able to see it's a temporary situation."

Have you had a holiday that's ended badly? Do you mix holidays with friends and family?

The best travel tip? Ignore travel tips

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:47:00 GMT

Paul Hansford news.com.au

The internet is full of 'useful' travellers' tips.

Image: Sure, having your money on display is a bad, but don't use a money belt. Picture: Lonely Planet

I don’t think a day goes by without someone on Twitter or Facebook offering me advice on ‘The Five Best Way To Fold Your Underwear On The Road’ or ‘How To Eat Vegan For Under $10 In South-West Canadian Border Towns’.

All of these posts are designed to make your life easier, to take the strain out of the time-consuming, confusing or worrying aspects of travel by people who have been there and done that.

But who are these people and why should we take their word for things?

And, more importantly, is the advice any good?

The answer is no.

My theory is that while there is a lot of good advice out there, you’re actually better off doing the exact opposite to what to most travellers’ tips tell you to do.

I decided to take a look around the interwebs to find the most common tips or advice and tell you why you should completely ignore them. And yes, the below tips found on websites are real.

The traveller tip: Visit a ‘best seat on the plane’ website before you check in.

The better traveller tip: Three words for this one. Waste. Of. Time.

Here’s why. You’re not the only person who knows about these kinds of websites, so you are not going to be armed with any insider secrets when it comes time to choosing your seat.

If you’ve ever used a site like this before, you’ll know there are usually only three or four seats (over and above emergency exits) that they recommend as good. With up to 600 people flying on a 747 all trying to book those couple of seats, you’ve got more chance winning the lottery and buying your own jet.

The traveller tip: Store your valuables in a secret, flesh-coloured money belt

The better traveller tip: Nothing screams “I have all my valuables in one place” more than a flimsy money belt under a t-shirt.

Have you ever seen someone try and get something out of those belts? They awkwardly pull out documents and wads of cash to find what they’re looking for.

What’s wrong with the good, old-fashioned wallet, which you use to carry around cash, ID, etc, in your equally crime-ridden home town?

The best tip is to separate your cash and other documents into two different places, so if ‘trouser pocket A’ is picked, then you still have the essentials in ‘jacket pocket B’. Also put a rubber band around your wallet, which makes it a lot harder to get out of your pocket (for you and the thief).

The traveller tip: Pack light when on a long trip

The better traveller tip: This one is good in principle but pretty much impossible in practice. I’m a big believer in packing to the very edge of my weight restriction - if I’m just going to be taking my bag from hotel to hotel, why not take as much as I can with me?

If you are going to go big with weight, just make sure to take ‘disposable’ items - older books, clothes, beach towel - that you don’t mind discarding along the way to make space for the inevitable new purchases.

The traveller tip: Stick to the main roads and don’t venture down backstreets or poorly lit roads.

The better traveller tip: Erm, in my experience all the best stuff happens in backstreets and poorly lit roads.

The traveller tip: Take light, quick-drying travel clothes to help when laundry time comes around

The better traveller tip: Sure, do that if you want to look like Bear Grylls or an American couple in their 60s who like to hike and eat beans out of a tin.

It’s not a crime to look good while on your trip by wearing a good pair of jeans or a favourite t-shirt.

While it’s true some clothes aren’t the best for certain types of travel - it’s not the best to go on a walking tour in heels and denim - by planning ahead (wash your clothes on the first night of a multiple-day stopover to give them time to dry) you don’t have to look like a dork on the road.

The traveller tip: When it comes to tours, hotels, etc, it pays to shop around for the best bargains

The better traveller tip: This tip is only true if the ‘shopping around’ is done before you leave for your trip. By all means, spend days, weeks, even months beforehand trying to find the cheapest hotels and tours but as soon as you’re on the road, draw a line under the bargain hunting.

I’ve spent countless hours on my travels surfing for bargains at expensive internet cafes or walking between travel agents when I could’ve been discovering the city I was in. Get the bargain hunting in early so you can actually enjoy your trip when you’re on it.

YOUR SAY: What's the strangest travel advice you have been given?

Which airlines are the most family friendly?

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:07:00 GMT

Tiana Templeman escape

Most airlines claim to be family-friendly, but all that marketing hype means nothing when you're trapped in a steel tube at 30,000 feet with a dissatisfied passenger who also happens to be a toddler.

Image: Which airline will keep your children entertained? Picture: Thinkstock

Junk food child meals, zero in-flight entertainment, no baby food: it's enough to make even the most patient parent chuck a tantrum. I know I certainly have.

Kicked off jet: Unruly child causes plane chaos

Like many parents, I wanted to know which airline was really the best choice for our family holiday. So I decided to find out. Each time we travelled overseas I began taking note of all the important stuff like whether there was priority boarding and a decent kids' channel. I also made some inquiries about what parents could expect to find onboard.

Just like the man in the fancy red suit (that's Santa we're talking about, not Richard Branson), I've been making a list and checking it twice and now know who's been naughty or nice. Each airline rating below consists of an actual flight experience and nine family-focussed categories, each one rated out of 10.

I once had to play peek-a-boo for nine hours straight because there was no seatback video. The following information will help spare you from a similar fate.

Emirates - Score: 91/100
Flying with Emirates is memorable for all the right reasons thanks to extra touches like giving out hand puppets and taking branded Polaroid snaps of families during the flight. Infants are allowed to take their collapsible chariot onboard as cabin baggage and get a 10 kilogram luggage allowance despite not paying for a seat. Children's meals have been designed to keep kids and their health conscious parents happy. Expect tasty, easy-to-eat choices like bangers and mash or cheesy tomato pasta rather than greasy junk food.
More: emirates.com

Etihad Airways - Score: 89/100
Etihad's swanky bassinettes are enough to make you wish you were travelling with a baby. Hmmm, then again, maybe not. Cabin crew are especially kind to those flying with under 2s, calming frazzled parents as well as their kids. Children's meals arrive quickly and are served with a smile. Older kids will appreciate the activity pack which comes in a brightly coloured knapsack and there's an excellent choice of child-friendly viewing. Hats off for the comfy seats which make it possible for everyone to get some sleep.
More: etihadairways.com

Air New Zealand - Score: 88/100
Air New Zealand offers plenty of interactive on-board fun on long haul flights. There's a colouring competition with the winner announced by the captain and storytelling in the galley after dinner. How well these things come off depends on the crew. Warding off the inevitable cries of 'I'm starving!' is easy thanks to a Jet Cadet Pack filled with healthy treats that's presented prior to take off. Tasman crossings are less lavish with a variable pricing structure that ranges from a basic seat to 'The Works' which even includes lounge access. Snacks can be ordered via a seatback touch screen which is 'kinda cool', even for adults.
More: airnewzealand.com.au

Singapore Airlines - Score: 86/100
Smiling, serene cabin crew help families get settled and ensure cabin bags are within easy reach (a bonus for those travelling with tiny tots). Emergency baby supplies are also available on-board and, perhaps most importantly, arrive promptly when disaster strikes. Seatback entertainment includes some great games, many of them multiple player so you can challenge older kids to an on-line duel.
More: singaporeair.com

Thai Airways - Score: 76/100
Assisted preboarding helps get the journey off to a great start and cabin crew go out of their way to interact with the kids. Special requests like 'Could you please clear away my child's tray as soon as possible so he doesn't knock it over?' are accommodated with a smile. There's an onboard supply of nappies and baby food (and plastic feeding bibs, a nice touch). Older kids who are fussy eaters may not appreciate the Asian meal selection (western fare often runs out first on the food trolley). Remember to pre-order a child's meal and you'll be fine.
More: thaiairways.com

Qantas - Score: 76/100
Qantas earn top marks for their friendly service after an overseas trip that Aussie accent feels like coming home and their safety record is second to none. Unfortunately they're also responsible for my peek-a-book marathon. It turns out some international flights like the long haul journey from Sydney to Honolulu use 767 aircraft which don't have seatback video, something I learned the hard way. Check out exactly what's available onboard when you book and you should have a great flight.
More: qantas.com.au

Cathay Pacific - Score: 75/100
Flying with Cathay Pacific ranges from good to terrific depending on the crew and the age of the aircraft. Babies are well catered for with an ample supply of bassinettes and other goodies. Older children will appreciate the in-flight entertainment system although some programs tend to be repeated.
More: cathaypacific.com

V Australia - Score: 72/100
From the amusing in-flight safety briefing cartoon to the upbeat crew and trendy cabin fit out, V Australia is a top choice for travelling with teens. Littlies aren't particularly well catered for there's no baby food, nappy supply or activity pack on board, something which has substantially lowered this overall score but older children will love the impressive seatback entertainment system and fun in-flight atmosphere.
More: vaustralia.com

Air Pacific - Score: 68/100
Any lack of seatback video is made up for by the cheery Fijian crew who go out of their way to interact with the kids. Babies are cooed over and older children are treated like 'grown ups' (a big hit with under 10s) with lots of friendly banter and questions about what they're planning to do in Fiji. Bring plenty of baby supplies as there's no emergency stash onboard. Air Pacific doesn't offer child meals but the regular menu offers plenty of simple, tasty fare.
More: airpacific.com

Pacific Blue - Score: 52/100
For families on a budget the price is certainly right but don't expect any frills. You'll need to bring your own baby supplies and kid friendly food (no child meals are available for purchase). Seating remains the same on each flight I've taken with my family right down the back no matter how early we check in. Explanations for this have ranged from 'sorry, it's a full flight' to 'the crew is trained to deal with children being seated down the rear of the aircraft in an emergency' to 'I'm not sure why that would be, I'll have to look into it for you'. I still don't know the answer because the PR representative never got back to me. In-flight entertainment is well-priced and worth every cent.
More: flypacificblue.com

Family friendly flying tips
- Bring along some games and puzzles just in case
- Always travel with snacks
- Bring teddy along for the ride, he'll help your littlie get to sleep
- Consider breaking your journey half-way
- Gift wrap some cheap toys as 'presents' to be unwrapped during the flight
- Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on for everyone , not just the kids
- Don't forget your sense of humour

YOUR SAY: What are your tips for taking children on planes? Tell us below

Holidays under $1000

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:36:00 GMT

With many Australians feeling the financial pinch, it's important to know about the best holiday deals.

So, here are 10 of the hottest deals according to news.com.au

Penang, Malaysia from $399

Spend five nights at the 5-star Hard Rock Hotel Penang, along the famous beaches of Batu Ferringhi, for the price of four. Priced from $399 a person, including accommodation in a hill view deluxe room, breakfast daily and return transfers. Book by December 12 for travel from July 22-December22.

See www.lastminute.com.au/hotdeals

Port Vila, Vanuatu from $855

Spend four nights in a harbour view room at the 4-star The Grand Hotel and Casino in Port Vila, Vanuatu from $855 a room. Includes light breakfast daily and return airport transfers. The hotel is in a prime waterfront location among the shops, restaurants and local markets and a 10-minute drive from Port Vila International Airport, with views over the harbour and lagoon. Valid for travel until December 23, unless sold out prior.

Ph 1800 872 835 or see www.travelpoint.com.au

Cook Islands from $485

Stay at one of the largest and best known resorts in the Cook Islands, the 5-star Edgewater Resort & Spa, for three nights in a garden room from $485 per room. Includes a free tropical breakfast daily, use of tennis courts and snorkelling gear, a daily activities program for adults and free entry to the Coconut Kids Club for children aged four to 12. Valid until March31 next year. Blackout dates apply.

Ph 1800 872 835 or see www.travelpoint.com.au

Hong Kong, from $860

Spend four nights at the 5-star Harbour Grand Hong Kong for $860. The hotel faces the Central/Wanchai District with a panoramic view, which is great at night. Includes accommodation in a deluxe harbour view room with buffet breakfast included at the Harbour Grand Cafe. Newspapers, use of the gym and pool, and a shuttle bus between Causeway Bay-HK Station and North Point-Taikoo Shing are also included.

Ph 1300 887 979 or see www.wotif.com

Te Anau, New Zealand from $432

Stay four nights in a standard room at the 3-star Distinction Luxmore in Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park, from only $432 a room. The property is in the heart of town, just minutes walk to Lake Te Anau. The close by Fiordland National Park is New Zealand's largest nature reserve and is also home to the famous Milford and Doubtful sounds. The area offers great walking tracks, boat cruises and an array of guided tours. Valid until September 30. Blackout dates apply.

Ph 1300 666 787 or see www.travelmate.com.au

Paris, France from $679

Spend seven nights at Holiday Inn La Villette in Paris in a standard room from $679 a person, twin share. Must book by July 31 for travel from July 1-September 30, unless sold out prior. Some blackout dates apply.

Ph 1300 939 414 or see www.flightcentre.com.au

Port Douglas, from $824

Escape to Port Douglas in Queensland's tropical north and stay four nights at the 4-star Hibiscus Resort & Spa in a studio room from $824. Valid until March 31 next year. Blackout dates apply.

Ph 138 833 or see www.sunloverholidays.com.au/deals

Koh Samui, Thailand from $318

Stay six nights for the price of three at the 4-star Kandaburi Resort & Spa in a deluxe hillside room and breakfast daily from $318 a person, twin share. Must book by July 3 for travel from September 1-December 23. Subject to change and availability at time of booking.

Ph Student Flights on 1300 019 130 or see www.studentflights.com.au

Mauritius from $749

Stay five nights in a superior room at the 5-star Legends Hotel Mauritius. The hotel is in the centre of the fishing village of Grand Gaube, not far from Grand Bay, in the northeastern corner of Mauritius. Priced from $749 a person, including breakfast and dinner daily. Must book by September 23 for travel until September 30 , subject to availability.

See www.lastminute.com.au/hotdeals

Nhatrang, Vietnam from $379

Enjoy five nights in the 5-star Sunrise Beach Hotel and Spa at Nhatrang in Vietnam in a superior sea view room, with breakfast daily and hotel transfers from $379 a person. Must book by September 20 and travel by September 30. The hotel is in the heart of the city yet close to the beach and within walking distance to major sightseeing, shopping and tourist attractions. Domestic airfares between Nhatrang and Saigon can also be added from $149 a person, subject to availability.

See www.lastminute.com.au/hotdeals

Do you know of any other amazing deals for a cost effective holiday?

Why the bloody hell was Oprah here anyway?

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:58:00 GMT

Robert Burton-Bradley, The Punch

Robert enjoys writing about social trends, music, the environment and politics. After working his way through a string of bizarre but never boring newspapers Robert graduated to working as a online journalist at news.com.au.

So US tourist numbers are down since Oprah’s “Down Under” fire sale of our national dignity and the much-wished-for Oprah cash has failed to materialise.

Image: State Treasury's estimate of the value of Oprah's visit to the NSW economy

The idea of letting a foreign talk show host turn our country into giant television studios smelt dodgy from the start, but after yesterday’s revelations, it stinks.

The news yesterday that US visitor numbers have dropped by 0.8 per cent in the last year just leaves you wondering how this ever got so out of hand.

While there is certainly a case to be made for the impact on tourism of a record high Australian dollar, can we really say this high-risk gamble would have paid off otherwise? What does this whole embarrassing affair say about how we present ourselves to the world as a nation?

Last year the then Premier of NSW, US-born Kristina Keneally, said all overseas visitors want is koalas and kangaroos when they come to Australia and we should get over our delusions of cultural grandeur and keep selling ourselves as giant Down Under theme park.

This is the same Premier who let Oprah place a giant “O” on the bridge. Aside from what this says about Winfrey’s ego, what does it say about the rest of us?

It’s a perfect example of how those tasked with promoting Australia as a tourist destination think. Somewhere in their fawning rush to agree to any demand Winfrey’s flying circus made; road closures, secrecy agreements and millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money, they forgot something. It’s a television talk show. An American one at that.

Take the FIFA World Cup Bid and that last minute video of bogans, beaches, Ian Thorpe (on Bondi of course) babes and a kangaroo.

The only campaign I can think of that was even less representative of what Australia is really like and who actually lives here was the disastrous ‘Where the bloody hell are you?’ campaign. At least Lara Bingle got something out of it.

The spoof version was more accurate than the original.

Thanks to a cringeworthy obsession with a dated formula we can trace back to the time of Paul Hogan’s Crocodile Dundee and Olivia Newton-John’s Koala Blue stores, the worlds’ perception of Australia as anything more than a cultural wasteland with abundant natural beauty remains unchanged from a bad 80s hangover. Kristina Keneally’s view certainly hasn’t changed and she’s been living here since the early nineties.

It sometimes seems to me that there is something in the national psyche that says we are not really that good at anything other than sport, drinking and speaking with a clanging accent.

The most recent offering from the Federal Government-funded Tourism Australia appears to have barely moved on from previous efforts. The didgeridoo backing track might be gone but I don’t know anyone that says “Au-stray-li-yah”.

Once again there’s a massive over reliance on natural scenery. We get it, its stunning, but what else? The cultural elements like the opera singer seem tokenistic as does the Aboriginal boy and the Asian family. It all ends in a hideously jingoistic a cappella shout on the steps of - you guessed it - the Opera House, with Harbour Bridge backdrop of course.

It’s cute, but with “weird” animals, beaches, beaches, beaches, the outback and the occasional city centre. Probably should have had some opals in there as well for good measure. That’s some seriously classy stuff for a $150 million price tag.

It’s as though the people responsible have not even tried. It just seems all too easy to dine out on the same tired and embarrassing formula time after time.

I can almost see a boardroom of marketing geniuses when a light bulb appears above someone’s head and then like some idiot savant they start talking about warm weather, coral reefs, Ayers Rock and of course - the final brick walling us in to this national identity tomb - a koala.

Wow! That’s the kind of visionary branding you pay millions for.

So what’s to be done? Yes, sell our strengths such as natural beauty, but maybe tell the world things they don’t know rather than trading on a dated brand. For example the Australian ski fields. Get past the desert island thing for a change. Maybe start promoting Tasmania while we are at it. What about our massive wine industry? Think of the Barossa Valley or Margaret River.

Let’s sell the experiences you might have staying in one of our cities. Melbourne’s laneways, Sydney’s nightlife, or even the smaller centres like Perth or Adelaide, each with a vibrant local identity. Then there’s our rich multicultural heritage that should be the envy of the world, rather than being known for race riots and skin-toned political slogans like “stop the boats”.

If we actually tried we might get people doing a bit more than day trips to the Sydney Opera House before racing off to Ayers Rock or Cairns.

Australians realise there’s a lot more to our country that’s worth knowing about. It’s about time we told the rest of the world.

Do you agree? How would you promote Australia to international travellers? And do you think Oprah's show was the right way to do it?

Real phrases every traveller should know

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:29:00 GMT

Image: Little did I know, I just sold my girlfriend in exchange for two chickens. Picture: Lonely Planet

I thought out my phrase and said it to the tour group. They burst out laughing.

It seems my mispronunciation of one word changed a very innocent: “So many people died in their foxholes?” into something very different.

To English-speaking ears they sound very similar, but for the Dane’s there’s a big difference.

Despite my mistake, ‘Foxholegate’ reinforced for me the importance of trying to speak a native language in a foreign land. Not only is it respectful, but it can break down barriers between people.

The key to speaking foreign phrases is to not worry about getting it wrong. Even the worst pronounced or jumbled sentence can set you on a path of understanding and friendship. I’ve seen many a wary or unfriendly local’s face slowly turn into a helpful smile when a traveller tries to speak their language.

In fact, getting it wrong can be better.

One way to strike up a conversation with a foreign phrase is to learn something completely random.

I memorised: “My monkey always gets a headache after drinking red wine” in German (“Mein affe immer kopfschmerzen nach dem trinken von rotwein”) and repeated it to people I met during a trip through Bavaria. The locals would be astounded, asking me why I would learn such a phrase, who taught me. We would usually end up chatting well into the night. Instant friend maker, that alcoholic monkey of mine…

However, I’ve found the biggest problem is that many of the foreign phrases you see in guidebooks and online don’t relate to today’s world of travel.

Realistically, how many times on your travels are you going to ask where the bakery is? Or what time the next overnight passenger ferry leaves? And who exactly is going to use: “I’m allergic to Nutella” anyway?

While knowing how to greet people, ask directions or say: “I don’t understand” is all well and good, but there’s also a need for more relevant phrases to use when travelling.

I’ve looked back at my foreign jaunts to come up with some practical phrases you can translate and learn for your next trip to foreign climes.

AT THE HOSTEL
- Excuse me, there already seems to be someone sleeping in my bed

- Any chance of some hot water in the showers?

- Are you actually pumping the music from the bar into my room through a hidden speaker?

- Whoever stole my milk is getting a slap round the face with a travel sandal

AROUND TOWN
- No I will not join you in an encore of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie”

- I’m only able to say this sentence in your language. Can we switch to English now?

- Is there anywhere I can get a coffee not called Starbucks?

- Where’s the best place to shop without being ripped off for being foreign?

AT THE MARKET
- Can you direct me to the stall that sells the cheapest local memorabilia?

- Thank you but I have no need to buy a hand painted fan/monkey skull/Rambo knife

- Where’s your mask? Because at that price, you’re robbing people

TO THE TAXI DRIVER
- I’d prefer to have my luggage with me, so don’t drive off with it when we reach our destination

- Can you turn this annoying song up any louder?

- You don’t know where we’re going, do you?

- Is there currently a shortage of deodorant in the country?

Here’s another tip: Make sure you get someone you trust to translate them and don’t rely on Google translate. I did and have been angrily shouting “Foxhole!” to useless Danish drivers for the last six months.

Ever been caught out in translation?

Free family activities in SEQ

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Courier Mail Life recommends free family activities

Going out with the family need not cost a packet. Here are some ideas to inspire and entertain the family - and they are all free!

South Bank Parklands

Arguably Brisbane's most popular destination for families is South Bank. Hugging the Brisbane River just across from the CBD, visitors can enjoy a sandy beach, a dip in a man-made lagoon, plenty of picnic spots, eateries, shops, cinemas and free live entertainment on most weekends.

Cultural Centre, South Bank

The state's leading arts and theatre precinct is an exciting experience for young and old. It features the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum, State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). Kids, in particular, will enjoy the interactive activities at the Sciencentre.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha

The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha feature an oasis of some of the best native and exotic plant species in southeast Queensland, including a tropical greenhouse dome, Japanese gardens, 52 hectares of themed gardens, a lagoon and a window to the sky at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

Daisy Hill Koala Centre

Want to see a koala up close? This koala education facility, just south of Brisbane, was built by the State Government and includes an outdoor koala enclosure and interactive displays. It is part of the Daisy Hill Conservation Park, comprising 435 hectares of open eucalypt forest and is a popular bushland retreat.

Brisbane Forest Park

Take a walk through the bush on Brisbane's doorstep. Brisbane Forest Park is located at The Gap and is part of D'Aguilar National Park, which has 14 separate recreation areas, over 30km of walking tracks and 60km of tourist roads.

Mt Coot-tha Lookout

This is the place to go to take in a spectacular view of the Brisbane region. On a clear day, from the observation deck, you can see from the ranges to the bay. A cafe and restaurant are situated at the lookout and there are numerous walking tracks up and down the mountain leading to several picnic areas.

How do these rate with you? Do you have any other secret gems to share these school holidays?

How to not get sued using TripAdvisor

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 02:36:00 GMT

Anthony Dennis, News.com.au

On the hoteliers' list of most despised things, TripAdvisor is near the top - along with bed-bugs, trashed rooms and guest mini-bar malpractices.

I’ve never particularly been a fan of TripAdvisor’s reviews since being a journalist I have to put a name to any critiques.

I’ve been shocked by the tone, pettiness and lack of balance of many of the reviews.

On the occasions that I do use the site I spend a lot of time scrolling through the reviews, attempting to establish some pattern to the critiques in order to get a proper perspective of the hotel in question.

Despite the attacks that TripAdvisor - which posts an average of 21 reviews and opinions every minute - has attracted, Accor has become the first global chain to put TripAdvisor on its website. Comments, unedited, now appear on the hotel’s reservation site, featuring hotels such as Sofitel, Mercure and Novotel.

Accor says that constructive comments on such sites can lead to real changes and improvements at a hotel.
Australian accommodation booking site wotif.com is also reportedly expecting to launch TripAdvisor-style reviews on its website.

My advice to wotif.com is to strike out and make it compulsory for reviewers to provide their real names, not just their disguised email ones.

And for all those looking to use TripAdvisor or similar consumer-feedback-based sites - here are some constructive tips on how to get the best out of the websites:

Be realistic
There’s no point complaining about the absence of fluffy white bath-robes if you’re staying in a three-star chain hotel (though you may find them in boutique hotels). The same goes for other inclusions, such as parking, that aren’t included in the property’s website in the first instance or aren’t likely to be provide due to the hotel’s rate and star status.

Be considered
Don’t just write a critical review simply to retaliate against the hotel after a bad experience, which may well have been an aberration. Discerning readers will likely judge you as much as the hotel in terms what you have to say about the hotel and the tone in which you choose to express your gripes.

The party’s over
Now that the worst effects of the GFC have passed, hotel occupancy rates have risen while the number of bargains have declined. Don’t expect to be upgraded to that ocean view room - even if you ask nicely - in the current climate (unless you’re a member of the chain’s loyalty club).

Cross reference
Don’t write-off a hotel just because of what’s written on TripAdvisor. Google the hotel and see what else has been written (yes, even by experienced travel journalists).

I also find TripAdvisor, critiques aside, as a good way to determine what accommodation is available in a city and what’s new.

Do your homework
Check out TripAdvisor’s help centre, it’s actually rather helpful and shows how the site has been working in recent times to lift its standards and be more accountable.

There’s some great advice on how to write a review. I like the apparently real example they used to show how not to write a review: “There were bugs everywhere and the fat unhelpful, ungracious host should be ashamed to work in NYC.”

Don’t play the defame game
A lawyer was quoted on News.com.au last year warning that Australians posting false or exaggerated reviews could be sued, with the legal penalties having the potential to run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Robert Tood from Blake Dawson advised that when posting a critical review be sure of your supporting facts. It may not always remain the case that reviewers’ name remains anonymous, or that hotels, rightly or wrongly, won’t retaliate.

Don’t always tell the world
TripAdvisor and such sites aren’t the last word in complaint. No one writes letters these days but do send an email to the general manager of the hotel if you’ve had a bad experience.

My partner had a bizarre experience at a Thai resort a few years ago when the masseur announced thought she’d felt a lump and immediately diagnosed breast cancer. Fortunately, it wasn’t the case at all but the insensitivity wrecked the last days of our trip. I wrote a carefully-worded email of complaint to the general manager who wrote straight back with an apology. Matter settled.

Then again, had he not replied there always was TripAdvisor...

Read more Doc Holiday travel advice in the Escape lift-out in all News Ltd Sunday papers. Send Doc Holiday questions to doc@docholiday.com.au

YOUR SAY: Do you trust the reviews on TripAdvisor? Leave your comments below.

Nothing beats Queensland

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 02:56:00 GMT

Queensland Tourism's latest clip

One of 6 new videos spreading the word that "Nothing beats Queensland"!

If you want to watch all six, you can view the playlist here: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=47A47A9A07B77047

What do you think? Does it do Queensland proud?