Volcanos, acquisitions, typos and a strengthening AUD: Here’s what you missed over the break

Views on Mt. Agung in Bali the morning right after the eruption. People are still fleeing from the immediate danger zone. Picture taken north of the volcano, just outside the exclusion zone, approx. 10-12 km from the volcano.
By Alexandra Coulton


Welcome back to the daily grind, travellers!

If you, like us, decided to spend your festive break focusing on important things (like wine and Netflix) and need to catch up on all the travel news that passed while you were otherwise engaged, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve rounded up all the most important stories that broke over the holiday period so you can get a head start to your New Year.

Here’s what you missed:

Father takes six flights over Christmas to be with flight attendant daughter10671574-3x2-940x627

A very devoted dad came up with a genius plan to spend new years with his daughter, despite her work schedule.

According to the ABC, Hal Vaughan accompanied his daughter Pierce on six flights over three days as she worked her job as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines over the holiday period.

“Long story short, I had missed a lot of time with Pierce this summer,” Vaughan told The New York Times.

“I just felt terrible thinking about her spending her first Christmas alone, even though she’s 25.”

Can we get an “AAAWWWW!!!”

Read more here.

Sydney Harbour’s New Years Typo

Those celebrating the New Year in Sydney were somewhat surprised to see the words “Happy New Year 2018” projected on the Sydney Harbour Bridge when the count down concluded.

Looks like somebody may be starting 2019 looking for a new job.

Read more here.

Bali’s Mount Agung is back at it again

Bali Mt. Agung volcano eruption

A volcano on Australia’s favourite Indonesian island shot a new burst of hot ash into the air on the day before New Years.

Mount Agung erupted for about three minutes, spewing white clouds of smoke and ash more than 700 meters into the air, according to SMH.

Ngurah Rai International Airport spokesman Arie Ahsanurrohim told SMH flights were operating normally and the air around Denpasar, the Bali provincial capital, is clear from ash.

Read more here.

Flight Centre expands in the US with new acquisition

On the 21st, Flight Centre announced new investments in the US with the acquisition of Silicon Vally-based Casto Travel Inc’s United States operations.

The travel giant has also bolstered its emerging in-destination travel experiences network (TEN) by signing a 10-year agreement to lease the four-star Camakila Legian Bali Hotel.

Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner, Flight Centre’s managing director said the new businesses were significant additions to the company’s diverse global network.

“Across our major geographies, we are investing in three key business sectors that we see as key future growth drivers globally,” he said.

Read more here.

Aussie dollar reaches three year low, but things are looking up

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After sinking to a three year low at the start of January, the Australian dollar appears to be recovering.

Falling as low as 67.15 US cents last Thursday, the currency experienced a surge on Friday, strengthened by a concoction of positive headlines, according to News Corp.

“If ever there was a case of a currency going from zero to hero in the space of 24 hours, it was the Australian dollar between Thursday and Friday,” head of FX Strategy at the National Australia Bank Ray Attrill told Business Insider.

“The AUD/USD was Friday’s best performing currency by far, adding 1.5 per cent to close above 0.71 for the first time since December 20.”

Read more here.

Venice introduces entry fee for day trippers

Tourists in the crowded the bridge in Venice.

The ultra-popular destination has won approval to introduce an entry fee for short stay visitors.

The new ‘landing fee”, specifically targetting day-trippers arriving on cruise ships, is expected to be set at between €2.50 (AUD $4) and €5 ( AUD $8) but could rise to €10 (AUD $16) at peak times.

Read more here.

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