Ski deals to turn your next holiday on its head

The international ski travel scene has changed like never before with the announcement by Australian travel company, SKI ASPEN, of the most amazing range of deals for all-inclusive ski holidays to Aspen, Colorado.  Even better – SKI ASPEN has amalgamated with Aspen’s award-winning Ski School to bring the most incredible deals with never-seen-before ‘skier-appeal’ add-ons.

With 10, 15 and 20 day options, plus amazing skier add ons, the longer you stay, the better the deal. Until Friday 13 May – extra-special Super Early Bird deals are on offer giving a saving of $500 – $1000 – PLUS all packages include a free 2017 Hotham/Falls Creek season pass.  So, if you’re a single traveller (of any age), a couple, a group or a family – a SKI ASPEN package could be the answer to your prayers, combining all the essential elements of a ski holiday while taking your ski ability to the next level.

Over two decades, the SKI ASPEN team has built a reputation of guest service, guest experience and affordability, offering the most inclusive and social ski holidays to Aspen.  Completely hassle-free, every aspect of these unique fully guided and instructional snow programs is taken care of by the dedicated team, on-hand 24 hours a day.  No more skiing alone, no more worrying that your travel buddy might be a different level skier or rider, guests become part of a small, personalised group.  And you have the added benefits of personalised instruction from Aspen’s legendary ski instructors, handpicked for the SKI ASPEN programs.

Check out www.skiaspen.com.au to find full details on the accommodation, lift passes, guided and instructional on-snow programs, transfers, video analysis, individually tailored ‘Specialty Day’ workshops and regular après activities.

Save 15% on a 4-star safari experience with Bench

This active and exciting adventure incorporates the soaring red dunes of Sossusvlei, the desert and denizens of Damaraland, and the dense plains, game and predators of Etosha National Park.

The journey begins in Windhoek and gives a taste of Khomas Hochland Mountains, Kulala Adventurer Camp, Kuiseb Canyon, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Hansa Hotel, Damaraland, Ongava Game Reserve and more.

Scheduled departures. Price is per person sharing based on travel between 18Mar – 31May, 01Nov – 30Nov 2016. This special is available for all new bookings. Conditions apply.

Phone: 1300 AFRICA (237 422) and quote “Diverse Namibia Special” or visit www.benchinternational.com.au
Image: Damaraland Adventurer Camp tent

Karen Tsolakis Joins Butler Caroye

Karen Tsolakis has joined travel management consultancy Butler Caroye.

Tsolakis will work with Butler Caroye, providing services to corporate, government and institutional travel buyers.

The Independent Corporate Travel Management Consultancy Company’s Director Tony O’Connor has welcomed Tsolakis to the team.

Excite(d) about Italy? Get on to this promotion!

For the next two weeks, Excite Holidays are offering heavily discounted rates for Italy, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice and the Amalfi Coast.

In addition to incredible rates, Excite Holidays is supporting travel agents with a dedicated destination training website with interactive city guides, videos, hotel recommendations, image galleries and suggested day trips.

All destination information is also available for agents to download and pass on to their clients. Travel agents can access this website by visiting www.excitecampaigns.com/italy

Rail Pass giving away free Suica with Japan Rail Pass

Rail Plus is giving away a free Suica card – the handy smart card used on metro train lines in Japan – with every Japan Rail Pass booked before 18 May 2016*.

Valued at $36 per person, the re-chargeable Suica can be used on Tokyo’s trains, subways and buses.

In addition, the easy-to-use smart card can be used to buy items such as drinks, snacks and newspapers from stores and vending machines, especially within train stations and on trains themselves, helping travellers avoid potential language barriers.

Rail Plus CEO James Dunne says every customer booking a Japan Rail Pass through Rail Plus between 18 April and 18 May 2016 will receive the free Suica, which comes pre-loaded with JPY¥1,500 credit.

“That represents an excellent saving for travellers and a great opportunity for travel agents to add real value to every Japan Rail Pass booking,” says Dunne.

Japan’s rail network is renowned for its safety and speed, with ‘bullet trains’ travelling at 300km/h as they connect Tokyo with other major cities. The Japan Rail Pass provides a simple, fast and cost-effective way for visitors to explore the country’s attractions, including ancient temples, spectacular scenery and some of the world’s most exciting cities.

Japan Rail Passes are available for seven, 14 and 21 days in Ordinary and Green class, with prices starting from $387 per person for a seven-day Adult Pass

For further information please visit www.railplus.com.au.