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?

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

 

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”.

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?

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?  

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

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?

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?

 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?