Oaks offers 30% off two-day stays

 

Feel the need to get away for a few days?

Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites is running a deal this month across its full portfolio of properties with Up to 30% off Oaks Hotels stays.

So think solo days by the pool, golf trips with the crew, or a spontaneous long weekend to recharge.

The properties on offer include tropical tranquility at Oaks Port Douglas Resort, a wine-country escape at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley, or a chic city break at Oaks Melbourne on Collins Suites.

The offer: Save 30% when you book 2 nights at Oaks Hotels properties until February 23, including Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort and Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort.

Image: Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Suites.  

McAfee warns of new digital scams

Regular travellers are all too aware of various online scams but need to exercise particular caution when booking independently online, security experts at McAfee have warned. 

"It's important to strike a balance between the excitement of planning and the need for vigilance,” Vonny Gamot, a regional head at McAfee said:

“Cyber criminals are like digital pickpockets, using the lure of holiday seasons to trick unsuspecting [travellers] with too-good-to-be-true deals. 

"With the rise of AI, these scams have become more realistic and more common.

“We’re urging all holidaymakers to stay vigilant online and think twice before clicking on a link or sharing credit card details. By doing this, you’ll be protecting your privacy and identity, as well as your finances.”

Travel news hub Travel Mole reports that Gamot recommends customers double check they are on an official booking site by making sure the web address is a prefix ‘https’ and not just ‘http’. It often appears as a little padlock icon in the address bar of the browser.

“Also be wary of any text or email offering too-good-to-be-true holiday deals or ‘fast-track’ passport renewals.

“If ever in doubt over the legitimacy of an email or link, don’t engage with it and go direct to the source. 

"While dreaming about your next adventure, don’t let cyber criminals turn it into a nightmare.”

Image: Saruvut Vanset, Scop.io

Barangaroo to get all spritzy during November

Sydney's trendy Barangaroo precinct will be just a little spritzy during November.

Golden Hours Barangaroo - presented by Aperol Spritz - will celebrate the arrival of summer in the city with an month of aperitivo-inspired fun.

All day, every day at participating venues across The Streets of Barangaroo, guests can enjoy a two for $30 Aperol Spritz deal, food offerings, and a program of free entertainment across the precinct. 

There will be 23 participating venues inviting locals and visitors to enjoy the waterfront ambience with venues this year including new Italian restaurant GINA, recently reopened ZUSHI, Born by Tapavino, Barangaroo House and Crown Sydney’s Woodcut, a’Mare and Icebergs Harbour Bar.

Golden Hours Barangaroo is part of Aperol Spritz’s commitment to support Sydney’s 24-hour economy with the event celebrating the Italian aperitivo ritual.

"Aperol is thrilled to partner with Bars of Barangaroo District to bring Golden Hours Barangaroo to life," says Jacopo Borsa, managing director of Campari Australia.

"It's the perfect setting to enjoy an Italian aperitivo experience with a refreshing Aperol Spritz and the company of good friends and family. Salut!"

Entertainment on offer will include DJs, roving performers, and live music.

Every Thursday to Sunday from 5-8pm, Sydney DJs will bring Italian disco vibes to Wulugul Walk, curated by Return to Rio.

Guests will also have the chance to win a trip to Italy as part of the precinct-wide celebration.

Anita Mitchell, chief executive of Placemaking NSW, says: "Barangaroo is one of Sydney’s famed harbourside precincts and vibrant initiatives like Golden Hours Barangaroo allows more people to enjoy this special place."

For more info and a full schedule of events, see goldenhoursbarangaroo.com.au or follow @aperolspritz on socials for updates.

How to enjoy business class without spending a fortune

Flying business class without spending a fortune?

What wizardry is this?

Budget carrier Vietjet, known for its cheap fares from Australian airports to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, also offers business class fares in 85% lie-flat seats from just over $1,000.

I just flew each way between Melbourne and Hanoi as a guest of Vietjet and both flights were super comfortable and on time. 

On the overnight flight between Hanoi and Melbourne I managed seven hours of uninterrupted snooze. That's a rare treat.

You have to make some compromises. First, Vietjet does not offer entertainment; you'll need to load some movies, books and music to your phone or device before flying. And there was no wifi on the two Airbus A330 flights that I took.

But there was pre-flight lounge access at both ends: at The House in Melbourne and the chic Song Hong lounge in Hanoi. Drinks, snacks, wifi and comfortable chairs that take a lot of the stress out of flying.

There is also priority boarding and disembarkation from the cosy business cabins, which comprise just two rows with a 2-2-2 business configuration.

Attentive and smartly attired crew help you stow your baggage, and business class ticket holders are allowed a massive 18kg of hand luggage - a huge win. That's in addition to your checked baggage allowance.

There's a pillow and blanket waiting for you in your seat, along with a little amenities bag with slippers, eye mask and some Occitaine d'Provence goodies.

Once on board there are pre-flight drinks and nibbles (water, juice or wine), and dedicated business cabin staff.

The food is good, too, with a choice of either the business menu or dishes from economy included in your fare.

Business choices include the likes of fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese baked fish, and chicken and vermicelli soup. The red and white wine options were Portuguese and serviceable if not stellar.

Throughout the flight you are offered nuts, or some cheese and biscuits, before a second meal is served (I slept through breakfast on the return leg).

There are dedicated business class toilets that were kept immaculate during both my flights. Flight time between Melbourne and Hanoi is around 10 to 10/12 hours.

Vietjet flies from Ho Chi Minh City to major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, and also connects Hanoi to Sydney and Melbourne. Economy fares start at around $250, while business class fares begin at $1,100, with frequent seat sales on offer.

Current deals from Vietjet start from $199, available to purchase until this Thursday. The discounted tickets are available between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, for travel between November 15 and May 22, 2025.

Travellers from Australia can also enjoy a 20% discount on business class fares by using the code LEADER20 when booking on Vietjet’s website, app or via authorised travel agents.

If you have a longer time before needing to book, Vietjet is offering up to 50% off on deluxe tickets for bookings made now until November 20.

Passengers flying deluxe can enjoy up to 40kg of free checked baggage, free seat selection, and free flight schedule changes. Deluxe passengers get 10kg of carry-on luggage and a meal combo with a drink.

Check out the current deals - they change all the time - at www.vietjetair.com.

The airline's newest route connects Da Nang to Ahmedabad in India and it also has increased flight frequencies from Vietnamese ports to Busan (South Korea), Hong Kong (China), Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung (Taiwan).

Vietjet is a fully-fledged member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. It is Vietnam’s largest private carrier.

# The writer was hosted by Vietjet

AirAsia slashes fares to popular destinations

Want to fly on the cheap? Prepared to book months ahead?

Budget carrier AirAsia today announced the launch of its Big Sale promotion - the first for 2024 - which it says includes millions of seats to more than 130 destinations discounted.

Some tickets are priced at just the cost of just the taxes and charges.

International tickets from Australia to the capitals of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand start from just $129.

From AirAsia’s major hub in Kuala Lumpur there are fares to popular Malaysian destinations including Langkawi, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Penang, starting from only RM28 one-way (under $10).

For those a little more adventurous, AirAsia is extending the Big Sale on flights to destinations across Asia and beyond, with starting fares from Kuala Lumpur from just RM299 (under $100) to Taipei, Seoul, New Delhi, Almaty in Kazakhstan and others.

Seats booked during this campaign are for travel between September 1, 2024, and June 18, 2025, and can be booked via the airasia Superapp or www.airasia.com.

Stay tuned to all-things-AirAsia via the instagram page @flyairasia.

Here are some of the fares on offer (economy one way): Sydney to Bangkok (Savarnabhumi) from $299, Sydney or Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur from $269, Perth to Denpasar (Bali) from $139, Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur from $269. Terms and conditions apply.

MSC promotion solves a major cruise issue

There are two components of cruising that can cause unpleasant surprises when you are ready to disembark.

One is the cost of wifi, which can be extortionate if you have not done your homework, the other your booze bill if you have neglected to sign up for a drinks package.

MSC Cruises has a solution for both issues with its All In Plus promotion.

Valid on selected sailings from April 2024 to November 2024, guests can enjoy an included Easy Plus Drinks package, which offers a wide selection of classic cocktails and frozen drinks, spirits, wines by the glass and beers, as well as soft drinks, juices, energy drinks, hot drinks and more.

In addition, the promotion includes unlimited wifi for two devices per cabin.

The deal is available for sailings across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Caribbean.

One such trip is an East Mediterranean aboard MSC Armonia (top image).

Departing Venice, Italy on October 28, 2024 and sailing over seven -nights to Dubrovnik in Croatia; Kotor in Montenegro, and Corfu and Zakynthos in Greece, as well as Bari before returning to Venice, this cruise is priced from $1,439/ NZD$1,549 per person, including drinks and wifi for the first two guests per cabin.

The MSC Cruises All In Plus promotion is valid for selected sailings from April 2024 to November 2024. The promotion will run until March 31, 2024.

Call 1300 028 502, NZ 0508 4278 473 or visit www.msccruises.com.au www.mscrcruises.co.nz

Travel temptations aim to entice online

More than ever, given the tough times, Australians are loving a bargain.

Enter Click Frenzy Travel from 7pm today - a five-day online festival of travel deals. Think Black Friday or Cyber Monday with a travel focus.  

A recent survey by Power Retail revealed that 73% of Australians have cited rising cost of living as the main factor preventing them from booking domestic or international travel this year.

Click Frenzy Travel will run until 11:59pm on Sunday - giving would-be travellers plenty of time to browse and check out which deals suit them.

The Click Frenzy Travel event will spotlight travel providers and their deals with categories including flights and destinations, accommodation, cruises, car hire, experiences and tours, luggage and travel essentials.

Brands offering top travel deals include Air New Zealand, Flight Centre, The Bali Bible, Scoopon, G Adventures and Malaysia Airlines.

Daniel Thompson, head of marketing at Click Frenzy, says: “We know that Australians have been feeling the pinch of inflation but are still eager to explore domestically and abroad after years of not being able to do so.

"The Click Frenzy Travel event couldn’t have come at a better time. We’ve worked hard to curate the best travel deals so Aussies can book a luxury holiday at a fraction of the price.

“We encourage consumers to visit clickfrenzy.com.au to find our biggest range of travel deals, vetted and verified by our team. With online scams becoming a growing issue in Australia, consumers should be conscious of deals on external sites by brands who are not partners of the sale.”

Do your own research to see if the deals suit you or not, and check out the terms and conditions. 

Some of the promised deals include

Air New Zealand:

● Sydney to Auckland, Seat, one way from $269

● Sydney to Queenstown, Seat one way from $279

● Melbourne to Los Angeles, Economy return from $1,569

● Sydney to Los Angeles, Economy return from $1,449

Flight Centre:

● Phuket 7 nights from $899 per couple - save $415

● Vanuatu 4 nights from $999 per couple - save $250

● Gold Coast family 5 nights from $999 per family of 4 - $800 bonus value

The BALI Bible:

● Additional 5% discount on already discounted Bali Bible product


Scoopon:

● Novotel Nusa Dua Escape with one-way airports transfers, daily breakfast and nightly cocktails from $699. Save up to 59%.

● Thailand Khao Lak Retreat with cocktails, massages and daily breakfast from $549. Save up to 47%.


G Adventures:

● 25% off select Thailand, Cuba, India and Peru tours


Malaysia Airlines: 

Return fares to Japan from $969

● Return fares to Malaysia from $662

● Return fares to Thailand from $676

● Return fares to India from $883

Last-minute Mother’s Day breaks on offer

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, StayWell Hotels has unveiled some last-minute deals if Mum would enjoy a night away. 

If you treat your mum to a stay at Park Regis City Centre or Park Regis Griffin Suites, she will receive a complimentary rose on arrival on Mother’s Day. 

Both hotels are located in close proximity to local sights, shops and popular restaurants and cafes. 

The Park Regis Griffin Suites in Melbourne is offering a discounted rate with 10% off the best available rate, complimentary wifi, early check-in and late check-out - subject to availability and 10% off the meals in the on-site cafe.

Book here: https://www.parkregisgriffinsuites.com.au/hotel-offers-and-packages/offer-details/?offer=DIRECT

The Park Regis City Centre in Sydney offers an identical deal. See https://www.parkregiscitycentre.com.au/hotel-offers-and-packages/offer-details/?offer=DIRECT

Enjoy Launceston during winter at Leisure Inn Penny Royal (above) and Mum will receive a complimentary bottle of wine. The boutique hotel is a heritage-listed property and has one- to two- bedroom apartments, perfect for sharing time with families or groups of friends. 

The Winter in Launceston deal includes 10% off the best available rate; a complimentary bottle of wine, 10% discount at nearby Alida Restaurant, complimentary parking and free wifi through to August 21. 

Book here: https://www.leisureinnpennyroyal.com.au/offer/?offer=winter-in-launceston

Avani unveils keen Thai hotel deals

Hotels in Thailand are super-anxious to welcome overseas visitors once more. 

Just in time for the holidays, the country’s resort and city destinations are rolling out the red carpet to welcome globetrotters to the Asian nation - and there are several terrific offers right now to encourage visitors to book. 

Here's a few on offer from regional tourism leaders Avani Hotels. 

Longtail boat adventures with Avani+ Samui Resort

Situated on a secluded beach fringed by palm trees, this boutique resort offers kayaking, the chance to explore off-the-grid bays or set off with an eco-friendly picnic basket for the beaches of Koh Matsum and Koh Tan. On property, there are romantic barbecue dinners, cooking classes, kite flying and workshops with a wellness consultant on stress relief and insomnia.

Avani+ Samui Resort offers a complimentary upgrade from Avani deluxe room to a spacious private pool villa (www.avanihotels.com/samui/offers/stay-longer-in-safety), based on availability, with rates starting from $US166 per night.

Back on the green with Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas

Home to over a dozen world-class courses, Phuket is a golfer's paradise. Guests staying at Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket (top image) get a green fee, caddy and cart at Blue Canyon Country Club included in their stay when they book the Stay & Play Phuket Golf Getaway Package. In addition to enjoying two championship courses, they also benefit from a complimentary suite upgrade. The offer is available until December 15 with rates starting from $US99 (www.avanihotels.com/mai-khao-phuket/offers/phuket-golf-getaway).

 
Picnics and horseback riding at Avani+ Hua Hin Resort

For those who want their beach vacation with a side of big city buzz, Avani+ Hua Hin offers a convenient base only a two-hour drive from Bangkok. Enjoy a private villa pool during the day and then take part in some horse riding on the beach or the signature Avani PopUp picnic on the lawn. Avani+ Hua Hin’s Blissful Beach Retreat package starts at $US103 and includes a 60-minute massage (www.avanihotels.com/hua-hin/offers/blissful-beach-retreat).

“Living la vida loca” at Avani Pattaya Resort

From the new Cantina pop-up serving Mexican fare and margaritas poolside to flambé and teppanyaki theatrics at the world-famous Benihana, Avani Pattaya Resort is agourmet delight. Families can enjoy quieter pursuits such as a tour of the property’s hydroponic garden, bicycle rides around the countryside and tea in the garden. Available until June 30, 2022, the Stay and Play for All package is available, starting from $US109 including Avani Travel Buddy, a cuddly toy for kids (www.avanihotels.com/pattaya/offers/stay-and-play-for-all).

Back to nature with Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort

Avani Ao Nang resort is located a hop and a skip from all the best beach spots. Spend days soaking up the rays and iconic seascapes at Railay beach, go paddleboarding off the Chicken Island or float away to bliss in Avani’s infinity pool. For stays until April 30, 2022 (www.avanihotels.com/ao-nang-krabi/offers) come with early check-ins, airport transfers, 30% savings on dining and laundry, 2-for-1 spa treatments and more with rates starting from $US68.

On top of the world at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok

Stay right on the banks by the Chao Phraya River. Avani+ Bangkok (above) welcomes travellers back with a slew of new entertainment and dining venues, including the new Benihana, Spice & Barley, Lost & Found, plus SEEN bar serving up sophisticated sundowners with exceptional views. The Weekend Getaway package (www.avanihotels.com/riverside-bangkok/offers/weekend-getaway) includes a stay with breakfast for two, dinner at SEEN, a massage for two, early check-in and late check-out and more from $US226.

To learn more about Avani Hotels, visit www.avanihotels.com. 

Rediscover Melbourne on the cheap

Melbourne is back post-Covid and the TFE hotels group has slashed prices in a bid to boost visitation numbers. 

 
A playground for creatives, foodies, fashionistas and sports lovers, Melbourne buzzes with its laneways, cafés and fine dining restaurants. 

The TFE offers include extras such as free parking, a complimentary bottle of wine, late check-out or savings up to 30% when you book direct. 

Among the best deals are: Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands and Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Southbank both with a 6pm late check-out and a complimentary bottle of wine from $109 per night. 

Vibe Hotel Melbourne has deals for $169 per night with a complimentary upgrade, daily breakfast, welcome drinks and late check-out (use the code EXPMELB) and Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne (above)  has a deal for $163 per night, book for three nights, pay for two, plus a late check-out. 

For a range of deals see TFEhotels.com