Sydney's new airport starts to become a reality

After years of prevarication, inertia and inaction, Sydney is finally on the way to getting a second major airport. 

Australia's biggest two airlines, Qantas and Virgin Australia, will get a say in the planning and design of the new Sydney Airport proposed for Badgerys Creek.

Western Sydney Airport management has signed a memorandum of understanding with the airlines to work together over how best to design the passenger terminal and related infrastructure.

They will set out common goals for baggage handling, security and customer service, and airport access.

"The insights we'll gain from working with the airlines help us build an airport that people will love using," said Western Sydney Airport chief executive Graham Millett.


"Australian airlines have long been advocates of Western Sydney gaining its own airport,"


The $5.3 billion airport project is expected to open by 2026 - although given the way projects fall behind schedule in Sydney with monotonous regularity 2030 is probably a more realistic date. 

"The unique collaboration is a 'great example of industry partners working together to help shape the best travel experience," said Virgin Australia CEO Paul Scurrah.


The Government recently said the new airport will be named Nancy-Bird Walton Airport in recognition of one of the country's greatest aviators.

Construction at the airport began in 2018 after being pushed back many times. 

New Bangkok hotel aims to entice guests with authentic cuisine

A new luxury Bangkok hotel will focus on the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Charoenkrung, the charming and rapidly re-emerging riverside neighbourhood in which it is situated. Capella Bangkok is a luxurious new boutique retreat nestled on the east bank of the legendary “River of Kings”, the Chao Phraya. Charoenkrung was one of Bangkok’s main thoroughfares up until the early 20th century, when trade and traffic still depended on the river. For centuries, new settlers docked on the shores of the Chao Phraya and Charoenkrung became a bubbling melting pot of races, religions and cuisines. It retains this vibrant character to this day. Capella Bangkok’s head Thai chef, Wichian Trirattanavatin, was born in Charoenkrung. Chef Lek, as he is better known, has a lifelong connection with the neighbourhood; as a child he toured the area’s bustling markets and “hole in the wall” restaurants with his father, who worked as a chef in the area for 40 years. Many of the street food stalls and shophouse restaurants he frequented as a boy are still open today – often run by the same people – and he still pays them regular visits on his trusty scooter. “It’s the sights, the sounds, the smells and above all the moments that make this place truly special,” chef Lek says. “There’s so much food here; so much variety. And each dish, every recipe, tells its own story. "Charoenkrung is part of my soul, so it is a great honour to introduce the cuisine of my home to international guests. Charoenkrung has always welcomed the world and Capella Bangkok will continue this proud legacy.” Guests can discover a wide variety of street food snacks and authentic dishes on the streets of Charoenkrung, many of which have their roots in other countries and cultures. Chinese noodles, south-east Asian satay and Indian curry puffs are all handmade for hungry locals, alongside classic Thai snacks such as moo ping (grilled pork skewers) and sai oua (Thai sausages). Many of the family-run stalls can trace their roots back multiple generations. Capella Bangkok aims to deliver authentic dining experiences that are woven into the fabric of the destination. Following in his father’s footsteps, Chef Lek will combine old school recipes and fresh ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques to elevate local cuisine. John Blanco, general manager of Capella Bangkok, said: “At Capella Bangkok, we are focused on creating luxurious and highly authentic experiences that echo the traditions of our destination. Whether it is through art, entertainment or cuisine, we strive to showcase the rich culture of the Charoenkrung district. "Our cuisine will reflect the re-awakening of this captivating Charoenkrung neighbourhood.” The Capella personal assistants will help guests at Capella Bangkok craft their own local experiences, providing first-hand encounters with resident luminaries and inspiring them to create and share their own memories about one of the the city’s most intriguing enclaves. Capella Bangkok, opening in the fourth quarter of 2019, will offer 101 suites and the city’s first riverfront villas located within the Chao Phraya Estate, a waterfront land development. There will be unobstructed views of the river from every room and the luxury property will also features a signature restaurant curated by Michelin-starred Argentine-born, French-based chef Mauro Colagreco. Learn more at: www.capellabangkok.com

Trump Administration ruins cruise holiday plans for 800,000

Havana: Royal Caribbean 

American cruise lines have been forced to cancel trips to Cuba, affecting almost 800,000 passengers worldwide.

The US Government has announced the immediate implementation of new regulations banning previously approved cruises from the US to the Caribbean island, Travel Mole reported.

the Cruise Lines International Association said US cruise lines had been forced to eliminate all Cuban destinations from itineraries with immediate effect.

It said this affects almost 800,000 passenger bookings that are currently scheduled or already underway.

US citizens have long been banned from taking independent trips to Cuba, but under previous US President Barack Obama's regime new rules allowing 'people to people' or group travel were introduced. 

The Trump Administration, which allegedly promotes freedom of choice, said it wants to steer American dollars away from "the Cuban regime, and its military and security services, who control the tourism industry in Cuba".

"We are disappointed that cruises will no longer be operating to Cuba," said CLIA chairman Adam Goldstein. "While out of our control, we are genuinely sorry for all cruise line guests who were looking forward to their previously booked itineraries to Cuba."

Norwegian Cruise Line said it is closely monitoring the situation and will contact guests and travel partners with information when details are available.

Royal Caribbean has dropped Cuba from itineraries.

Carnival Corporation said its brands would no longer be permitted to sail to Cuba "effective immediately".

"Currently, Carnival Corporation is sailing to Cuba on Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line, and Seabourn had been scheduled to begin sailing in November to Cuba." said. "Additional details will be provided for currently booked cruises by the cruise lines."

MSC Cruises said it is currently reviewing and working through the details of the administration's Cuba policy to assess the scale and timing of its effect on its cruise sailings from the US to Cuba.

Viking Ocean Cruises said it has one remaining call in late December 2019 and is currently reviewing its options for that and early 2020 sailings. "Once confirmed, guests and travel partners will be notified directly," it added.

The ban is a blow to Virgin Voyages, whose first trip was due to sail from Miami to Cuba.

 

Airlines accused of ripping off customers

Consumer magazine Which? Travel reports that many airline car rental and insurance deals are a rip-off.

The British organisation looked at prices of holiday extras, such as car hire, offered by seven airlines flying from Britain to Europe and compared these to the quotes it received by shopping around.

It said that, in some cases, passengers were paying more for inferior products.

For example, when booking a flight from Newcastle to Malaga with easyJet, it was offered car hire for £119 with Europcar, which was £73 more than a deal Which? was offered with Centauro, a car hire broker it rated more highly.

When booking a British Airways flight from Heathrow to Larnaca it was quoted £126 for a week's rental with Avis, compared to £75 with Which? recommended provider Enterprise.

In response, British Airways said: "We offer a range of convenient options, including car hire, to allow customers to tailor their trip to suit their needs. Prices are likely to differ between different car hire companies, and without providing specific details we can't verify that a fair comparison was made."

When Which? added travel insurance to a Jet2 flight from Manchester to Faro, it was quoted £17.50. While the price was similar to a standalone policy with Staysure, Jet2's policy only offered £1,000 for loss baggage and belongings - £500 less than the minimum recommend by Which?. It also pointed out that the Jet2 policy had a high excess of £175.

Wizz Air's add-on insurance with Chubb has a maximum of up to £500 for cancellation and curtailment plus flight cost, which falls short of the £3,000 advised by Which?

"Our advice is to shop around and not be automatically seduced by the easy option when it comes to buying extras for your holiday," said Which?


Which is good advice wherever you are.

Are these best burgers in Australia?

A small eatery in a Victorian country town may be serving the best gourmet burgers in the land.

Using ethically produced meats and a couple of special ingredients from the US, Super Lekker should be on the radar of every serious burgerphile. 

It is located in Woodend, around an hour north of Melbourne, and sits in the shadows of Mount Macedon. Owners Janet Leung and David Morant boast that they only use "natural pasture-fed happy cows and free-range chicken".

In German, Dutch and Afrikaans, Super Lekker means "Super Delicious" - and the burgers we tried more than lived up to their billing. 

I've eaten burgers around the world, from fast food chains to creations by big-name chefs and this place has deliciousness spot-on. 

We sampled a Super Lekker ($15) with a beef patty, Istra bacon, cheese, red onion, egg, tomato, lettuce, pickles, gold mustard and ketchup, and a Burt Reynolds (also $15) with beef patty, Istra bacon, cheese, smoky barbecue sauce, caramelised onion, pickles and American mustard. 

The Lillie's sauces, McClure's pickles and cheese are the secret weapons imported from the US, where they know a thing or two about burgers. 

My wife and I were heads down from start to finish, glancing at each other with increasing admiration for the treats we had in hand. If you like burgers you'll love this place.  

The menu also features side dishes, ice creams and drinks. You can eat in, or take away.

Super Lekker, 2/99 High Street, Woodend, VIC. (03) 5417 6125. https://superlekker.com.au/ Lunches Saturday-Sunday, evenings Wednesday-Saturday. 

Hotel deals in Perth, Darwin and Gladstone

Looking for an affordable family break? Metro Hotels has just unveiled some special hotel deals in Perth, Darwin and Gladstone over the cooler months.

The Metro Hotel Perth is offering family getaways from $129 per night in a standard room.

The deal includes buffet breakfast for two while children until 12 stay for free and also get free breakfasts.

Complimentary wifi and car parking in thrown in, along with a complimentary drink per guest at Red Bill Bar.

Guests must book and stay by January 25, 2020 and the deals is valid only for Thursday-Sunday nights.

In Darwin, Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel and is offering seasonal saver deals in studios from $83 per night, including free wifi.

Book by June 30 for stays between October 1 2019 and March 31, 2020.

Metro Hotel & Apartments Gladstone has Gladstone Getaways from $99 per night in one-bedroom apartments with free wifi and car parking - plus children stay free.

Minimal servicing applies to stays of 2+ nights.

Book all these deals on line at www.metrohotels.com.au