Big Fat Wholesaler Wrap
Battling a hangover from the weekend, our priorities still lie with our readers and newsletter. Just kidding, we’re hanging out for a shower and a nap.
Insight Vacations launches sensational Black Friday deals
Insight Vacations is offering travellers savings of up to $2,000 per couple during the Black Friday sales on 24th November 2017. Guests can choose from 10 itineraries ranging from nine to 18 days; including European Discovery (16-days and nine countries including England, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy), Highlights of Spain, Easy Pace Italy, Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague.
Guests have the chance to travel in style and embark on a journey beyond the ordinary – enjoying Insight Experiences, authentic dining and flavours to bring each destination to life, smaller group camaraderie with like-minded people, and unique opportunities to meet passionate locals along the way.
This sale is from the Friday 24 November until 01 December 2017
Discovering wonders of Asia by the water
Here are the new exciting sailings in Thailand and Indonesia for this summer from nowboat.com.
Travel 100 km far from the Phuket to experience the Similan Islands. Loved by travellers white beaches and trekking paths and by divers for a good visibility, tropical sea life and incredible underwater landscape, its a destination not to miss.
Indonesian Raja Ampat has one of the most big coral reef in the world with 1200 different specie of fishes and more than 500 corals. During this week long cruise you will visit ‘four kings’ – the islands Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo and Misool. These are surrounded by a myriad of amazing, untouched smaller isles with picture postcard beaches and sheer, ragged limestone cliffs. This area is one of the richest marine biodiversity region in the world, appreciated by divers and marine biologists. Add white beaches – and you have all ingredients for the perfect trip!
This fantastic one day cruise allows you to explore seven non touristic Thai destinations. Sailing starts from Phuket and you will visit Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island, a floating Gypsy village, Koh Hong, Panak, Pak Bia, and Koh Hong Krabi.
Take a Punt with SeaLink for the 2018 Kangaroo Island Cup
South Australia’s must-do three-day event, the SeaLink Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival, from Thursday 15th – Saturday 17th February 2018 at Cygnet River Racecourse, is a celebration of racing, entertainment, food, wine and fun. SeaLink, is offering punters a range of travel package options including a day package to the main Kangaroo Island Cup Day event.
The not to be missed SeaLink Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival features two race days, the first on Thursday February 15 followed by the main race day (KI Cup Day) on Saturday February 17.
SeaLink is offering a Kangaroo Island Cup Day package departing from Adelaide, Cape Jervis, Penneshaw and American River on Saturday February 17.
The Cup Day Package includes morning coach pick-up and evening set down at selected Adelaide hotels; return SeaLink ferry, return transfers to the Cygnet River Racetrack, Kingscote and a general admission ticket. The package is priced at $189 per person.
Peter Sommer Travels – New in 2018: Walking and Cruising the Dodecanese Islands
Archaeological tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels has announced a new itinerary for 2018, exploring the fascinating Dodecanese islands of Greece on foot on a traditional wooden gulet cruise.
Led by Dr Michael Metcalfe, a specialist in ancient history and the Mediterranean, the eight-day Walking and Cruising the Dodecanese tour brings together the best experiences of the area: the elegant pleasure of a gulet cruise, the thrill of walking through breathtaking landscapes, a fascinating multi-faceted history, swimming in the blue waters of the Aegean and the delights of fresh local cuisine.
The tour visits five small islands clustered in the Northern Dodecanese region and offers a unique opportunity to discover superb archaeological sites far from the beaten track.
‘Off the Richter Scale” – Solomon Islands September VA shatters the records
International visitor arrivals to the Solomon Islands for September 2017 have, to quote CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto “gone off the Richter Scale” with the destination recording a close on 70 per cent year on year increase.
Figures released by the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) show a total of 2397 international traveller visited the destination in September, a 67.8 per cent increase over the 1428 recorded for the same month in 2016.
Figures for the nine-month period show the destination has now attracted a total 18,507 international visitors, a 10.48 per cent over the 16,831 figure achieved for January-September 2016 with each of the Solomon Islands’ main source markets recording solid year on year growth.
Australian visitation again dominated, the 7317 total recorded for September representing a 7.41 per cent increase of the 6812 recorded last year and accounting for 37.2 per cent of all arrivals.
The Peninsula Chicago celebrates the holiday season with Sky Rink and Ugly Sweaty Party
Luxury offers, timeless traditions and festive dining provide reasons to visit The Windy City.
The holidays are nothing short of spectacular at The Peninsula Chicago, with delicious cuisine, festive décor, joyful celebrations, a visit from Santa and Peter Bear and The Peninsula Sky Rink’s seasonal return – all providing the perfect backdrop for this festive season.
The Peninsula Sky Rink has opened for its sixth season. The 2,100 sq ft (200 sq m) hybrid rink is the only hotel skating rink in Chicago and debuted in December 2012. Perched above Chicago’s bustling Michigan Avenue, The Terrace is the ideal setting for the hotel’s skating rink.
Plus, celebrate Christmas with an elaborate brunch buffet in The Lobby. The exquisite Christmas Day Brunch features a variety of carved meats, a grand seafood buffet station, sushi and sashimi, charcuterie and cheeses, and a dim sum station. Eggnog, hot chocolate and a vast array of sweets including crêpes, macarons and pastries will be presented for dessert.
This Black Friday buy travel, not things
For the first time in Australia, Trafalgar are slicing the price off an awe-inspiring collection of trips right across the globe, offering savings of $1000 off per couple this BLACK FRIDAY, valid for four days until 27 November 2017.
Travellers can forget fighting over discounted electronic devices and treat themselves to something that’ll last infinitely longer: more life moments for you. From an exhilarating boat ride at Niagara Falls to exploring bucolic Croatian islands, there’s always something incredible to discover on your next journey with Trafalgar. With over 25 countries ready to be explored with Trafalgar’s exclusive Black Friday travel offer don’t miss out as this deal is strictly limited.
For four days only! – Friday 24 November – Monday 27 November 2017.
G Adventures announce four-day Cyber Sale!
Thanksgiving might be a North American holiday, but G Adventures’ Cyber Sale is giving Aussie travellers and agents plenty to be thankful for! The leading small-group adventure tour operator has announced a four-day sale to coincide with online shopping frenzy Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
The G Adventures Cyber Sale will kick off from 12am Eastern Standard Time on Friday November 24, and will last through to 11.59PM EST Monday November 27. For four days only, travellers can save up to 30 per cent on select worldwide tours, with departures through to April 31, 2018.
Travellers can also take advantage of 20 per cent off select Africa, 25 per cent off select Galapagos, as well as 20 per cent off select Europe itineraries.
Five ways to enjoy the best of Winter in Switzerland
While summer continues to be the most popular travel period to Switzerland, more and more travellers are discovering that a Swiss winter holiday is equally appealing and eventful.
With the colder months transforming the country into an icy wonderland, bringing out different characteristics and personalities of the country, Switzerland Tourism has listed five ways in which travellers can make the best of their Swiss winter stays.
- Christmas Markets
- Elite Sports Events
- Panoramic Rail Rides
- Traditional Winter Delights
- Cosy Alpine Chalets
Escape to the Outback this Christmas
Christmas is fast approaching and if you haven’t planned your holiday yet, why not try something different and hit the road for a Queensland Outback adventure?
These Christmas holidays, ditch the beach, pack up the car, hitch the van and hit the road to experience a great Aussie adventure and explore some of Queensland’s best outback destinations.
- For a true outback experience head to Queensland’s centre, Longreach, for an insight into the state’s rich history, you’ll be ‘flat out like a lizard drinking’.
- Australia’s very own Dinosaur Trail is one Queensland outback’s most exciting and educational adventures. With world-class fossils in Winton, Richmond and Hughenden, a journey through this part of the country is a unique experience not just in Australia, but the whole world.
- If you want to get back to nature and combine natural history together with heritage than look no further than Charleville, Thargomindah and Quilpie.
Flying high with West Coast Wilderness Railway summer packages
Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Railway, recently crowned best Tourism Attraction at the state’s 2017 Tourism Awards, is soaring to even greater heights this summer thanks to a partnership with Strahan Helicopters. The new package provides guests with the opportunity to take in the breathtaking Tasmanian landscape from both the tracks and the air.
The format of the new tour will see guests first take the train from Regatta Point, Strahan to Dubbil Barril, which boast stunning views across Macquarie Harbour and up the King River. The journey includes numerous bridge crossings, wild honey tastings at Lower Landing and at the opportunity to see the loco being turned at Dubbil Barril, deep in the rainforest. Guests will then enjoy the return journey via helicopter, taking in the amazing aerial views of the stunning west coast landscape before landing back at Regatta Point.
The 10, 20 and 30-minute flights will follow the Wilderness Railway along the King River Gorge to Macquarie Harbour soaring above the charming seaside hamlet of Strahan to Regatta Point. The 70-minute flight will really impress. Capturing everything the West Coast has to offer up into the depths of the World Heritage Area to the Franklin River, down the Gordon River past Sir John Falls over the penal settlement of Sarah Island, out over Bonnet Island and through Hells Gates along Ocean Beach to Henty Dunes then back to Strahan, landing at Regatta Point.
Celebrate five days of Black Friday savings with Busabout
Ever wanted to hold onto a Friday for days? Take advantage of the Busabout Black Friday sale running for FIVE days and save up to 30 per cent off with Busabout this selling season, valid until Tuesday 28 November 2017.
Adventure seekers can choose to save 25 per cent off while sailing the crystal waters of Croatia, exploring the stunning scenery of Europe (with multi-country trips), hopping from one island to another in Thailand, or venturing deep into Eastern Europe. Not only that, travellers can buy an Unlimited Pass and go on to receive either an Iberian Adventure, Oktoberfest Hostel or Greek Island Flexi Hopper for FREE!
Scotland and Ireland travellers can also save 30 per cent off extended HAGGiS and Shamrocker Adventures and 15 per cent off this coming Christmas and New Years with HAGGiS. Sale ends Tuesday 28 November.
Great industry rates at The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort on Redang Island
The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort are offering great industry rates for trade visiting stunning Redang Island just off the east coast of Malaysia. Enjoy a 20 per cent discount on accommodation and 10 per cent on F&B* plus 20 per cent off all non-motorised sports at the resort such as wind surfing and kayaking.
The island is an hour by boat from the mainland and is part of a marine sanctuary park which combined with its crystal-clear waters make it a snorkellers and divers paradise. You can also take advantage of chartered flights to the island with Prima Air, departing from Subang Airport near Kuala Lumpur to Redang Island every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort features 190 rooms and suites ranging from the lead in Garden Deluxe room with private balcony overlooking the resorts gardens to the five-bedroom cliff top Taaras Villa with private infinity pool overlooking the ocean which is perfect for large families and groups of friends.
Nanuku Auberge Resort value-adds new round of discount stay offers
Nanuku Auberge Resort has released a new round of special stay packages offering discounts of 20 per cent for guests choosing to stay between three to six nights or 30 per cent discount for those choosing to stay seven nights or longer
Both offers have been value-added to include a choice from two bonus family-oriented activity options for two adults and two children with children 12 years and under staying, playing and eating for free.
A ‘Family-time’ bonus includes a guided Food Safari visiting local markets and gathering fresh local produce – crabs, prawns, fruit and vegetables – which the resort’s chef will prepare for a sumptuous family dinner.
The ‘Adventure-time’ bonus comes complete with a guided Food Safari, a one-hour DPV* (diver propulsion device) snorkel tour of the resort’s house reef, plus a 15-minute Jet ski experience* and a sumptuous family dinner.
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