Why 88? It’s a Chinese lucky number, of course! And if you get to sample even a handful of these great pan-Asian delights, you’ll be most fortunate indeed. The editors and writers of Travel + Leisure Australia + New Zealand teamed up with their colleagues at T+L South-East Asia to bring you this list, especially for our annual Asia issue.
1. Take bliss to a new level at Amanpuri, in Phuket, the first Amanresorts property and still our favourite getaway.
2. Want a taste of the “new” Singapore? Then book into the New Majestic, where mid-century finds, provocative art and individually designed rooms give it the cutting edge.
3. Copper-plated bathtubs and four-poster beds make The Eugenia in Bangkok the perfect blend of boutique and faux-colonial.
4. Discover your inner wellness down on The Farm. Scrubs, rubs, internal flushing (ahem) … this holistic resort in the Philippines is Asia’s original get-fit camp.
5. Take the helicopter from the rooftop of The Peninsula for a “flight-seeing” trip, the only service of its kind in Hong Kong.
6. Sleep almost literally on cloud nine at the park hyatt shanghai, the tallest hotel in the world.
7. Retreat to the Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi, only 45 minutes from Phuket, and be surrounded by jungle, tiny fishing villages and untouched beaches.
8. Wake to ethereal views of the Taj Mahal from a room at the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra.
9. Cool off in a swimming pool that replicates an Angkor king’s royal bathing ponds at the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap.
10. Built around a collection of rammed-earth huts, the spa at Six Senses Hideaway Hua Hin in Thailand is the perfect spot for some serious soothing. Hats off, too, to the resort’s green mindset
11. Have a man-made marvel literally at your doorstep. Check in to the cutting-edge Commune by the Great Wall resort near Beijing; it has a section of the wall running through its grounds.
12. Relax on the beautiful beach at The Datai in Langkawi, Malaysia, surrounded by lush jungle.
13. Go to Sukhumvit Soi 38 in Bangkok at night for duck noodles. It’s also an excellent place to see a cross-section of Thai society – Bangkok’s elite roll up in their Mercs to pick up meals.
14. Feed on an ultra-fresh fish dinner in Kota Kinabalu, from where much of Malaysia’s seafood
15. In Macau, don’t gamble on your lunch. The prix fixe menu is a steal at Robuchon à Galera.
16. Soak in the spectacular views at Dining on the Rocks on Koh Samui in Thailand.
17. Brunch at Basilico in Mumbai’s trendy Colaba district. The breakfasts are good, the coffee is better, but the cheesecakes are always best.
18. Buy a box of the legendary handmade egg tarts at Lord Stow’s Bakery, a true Macau culinary experience.
19. In Japan, dine on a superb bento lunch box, bought from a station or platform kiosk, along with all the other passengers in your carriage on a crowded shinkansen or bullet train.
20. In Vietnam, compare the two completely north and south versions of pho, the national soup dish, in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
21. Be adventurous in Cambodia and try some traditional Khmer dishes – delicacies such as stir-fried frogs and dried snake – at Meric restaurant in Siem Reap.
22. In the heart of Bangkok, the secret garden at colonial-styled Agalico is a perfect setting for tea and homemade scones.
23. We challenge you to resist the hawker stands in Penang, Malaysia’s street-eats epicentre, particularly the standout food at Jalan Selamat in Georgetown at night.
24. Rise early in Tokyo and head straight for the Tsukiji fish markets for a sushi breakfast at any of the tiny bar-restaurants. It will blow your mind as well as your taste buds.
25. Take your morning cuppa Hainan-style, and stop into Yut Kee, a nearly 80-year-old coffee shop in Kuala Lumpur, run by the son and grandson of the original owner, who migrated from the Chinese island.
26. Visit Bobby Chinn at his eponymous restaurant, where he cooks fusion dishes – think filet mignon spring roll – that have helped revolutionise Hanoi’s somewhat staid dining scene
27. Join the aid workers set for lunch at the shop in phnom penh, where wonderful pastries are on the menu.
28. Gorge at Rut & Lek Seafood in Bangkok’s Chinatown for cheerfully cheap and amazingly fresh fish right on the street. Stir-fried crab and grilled giant prawns are a must. As is everything else – bring friends, so you can order more dishes.
29. In Bali, sample sensational rooftop dining at Sunset on Six, Seminyak’s newest and coolest bar-restaurant.
30. Enjoy a round table full of fish dishes at East Lake Restaurant on Cheung Chau, one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands, which has no cars; the only access is by ferry. Then, work off the food by walking around the island.
31. In Malaysia, grab a typical Malay breakfast of roti canai: flaky, buttery bread dunked in a spicy chickpea or lentil curry. Then wash it down with a kopi, strong black coffee with a dollop of sweetened condensed milk.
32. Visit La Verticale for expertly done French food by one of Hanoi’s best, Didier Corlou, who used to be head chef at the city’s famous and historic Metropole Hotel.
33. Dine on dim sum at City Hall Maxim’s Palace in Hong Kong. Enjoy the backdrop of Victoria Harbour and a high-decibel soundtrack of animated diners, some of whom you may end up with in a bid to get everyone seated as soon as possible.
34. Off Orchard Road is one of Singapore’s best-kept sweet secrets. Ling Zhi produces a devilishly good banana custard roll that is helium-light and richly sweet without being cloying.
35. Don’t miss cendol, a super- sweet Malaysian/Indonesian dessert of shaved ice, coconut milk, mung bean paste and lots of palm sugar syrup. The place to have it is at Makko Nyonya Restaurant in Melaka.
36. In the Philippines, try the coconut-based spirit lampanog. It is a potent locally made brew infused with star fruit and raisins (and sometimes with bubble gum!). Available at most roadside food stalls, it is the true taste of the island archipelago – with a kick.
37. In Hué, Vietnam, wander through the most majestic of royal tombs in Minh Mang. It dates back to the 1840s and is known for its stunning architectural details, which seem to blend into the local environment.
38. Follow in the footsteps of a million devotees at the Thaipusam Festival, a time of penance and atonement for Hindus, which includes an annual 20-kilometre trek from Kuala Lumpur to the Batu Caves Temple.
39. Seen at dawn, Angkor Wat in Cambodia is an unforgettable sight, but if the crowds there are too much, head for the Bayon temple at Angkor Thom as the sun rises.
40. Take the venerable Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Hong Kong Island at night for an unforgettable view. It only costs the equivalent of 87 cents and remains a truly essential Asian experience.
41. When in Pagan, the sweeping valley of temples in Burma, forgo a traditional ox cart by cycling around the thousand-year-old temples or, for a less-strenuous and more champagne-filled view, opt for a 45-minute balloon ride over the scenic ruins.
42. In a city that’s always on the up and up, Hong Kong just had to have the world’s longest escalator. If you’re headed uphill in Central, your legs will be glad it does.
43. The Temple of Dawn in Bangkok is best visited at dusk. You can then watch rice barges gliding along the Chao Phraya.
44. Indonesia’s most-visited attraction, Borobudur, is home to more than 500 images of Buddha, making this a man-made locale unlike anywhere else in the world.
45. Meet the orangutans at Sepilok in Sabah State, Malaysia. Here you can appreciate the wonders of nature and make a donation to help save Asia’s only great ape.
46. Enjoy the majesty of Bangkok’s Grand Palace, either as it sparkles under an early-morning glow or when it lights up the city’s skyline at night.
47. Buy hand-woven textiles at OckPopTok in Luang Prabang, Laos.
48. Stroll down Hong Kong’s crowded Cat Street on weekends. Opium pipes, “new” antiques, jade jewellery, animal-shaped brass locks and 1960s Mao statues are the bargains here.
49. In Bangkok, visit the mother of all markets: Chatuchak Weekend Market. Go early, wear comfortable shoes, bargain and take your time; one day – even three – won’t be enough to see it all.
50. From May to July, visit the Great Singapore Sale in Asia’s shopping capital.
51. Hit Bangkok’s CentralWorld, which has a mind-boggling array of shops, restaurants, cinemas and more. At Christmas or New Year, chill out in one of the many night-time beer gardens in front of the shops and soak up the live music.
52. Need a break from shopping? Head for the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari for a bit of wildlife amid the concrete jungle.
53. In Siem Reap, visit Madagascar-born designer Eric Raisana, by appointment only, at his house-cum-boutique in the backstreets of town. His innovative silk creations will enchant you.
54. In India, stock up on superb handmade writing paper decorated with intricate Indian motifs at Chimanlal’s, haute Mumbai’s stationer of choice since the 1950s.
55. In Tokyo, get high on culture at the Mori Art Gallery on the 53rd floor of the Mori Tower in Tokyo’s amazing Roppongi Hills precinct, then hit the fabulous restaurants, bars and shops at ground level.
56. Jump-start your party at Double Six: Bali’s most rocking club, with its own bungee jump.
57. To get a sense of the old Macau, visit the original Lisboa casino, with its dark gambling pit of coffee-stained tables. For new Macau, try the Sands, the Wynn or Crown.
58. Absorb some history at the Hall of Opium in the Golden Triangle, Thailand. This multimedia museum and research centre illuminates the path opium has travelled from medicine and spice to an addiction that has sparked wars, revolutions and major crime.
59. Enjoy a private long-tail boat tour on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
60. Visit Mae Hong Song to experience how some of Thailand’s diverse hill tribes live.
61. Before it’s completely overrun by tourists, visit Luang Prabang, Laos, which retains its sleepy charm, at least for now. Hire a bicycle for next to nothing as soon as you arrive and keep it for the whole of your visit, so you can pedal about the city’s quiet streets.
62. Visit the historic vietnamese town of hoi an for its incredible culture, shopping, architecture and food.
63. In Bali, experience Galungan and Kuningan, the most important festivals of the Balinese year, celebrated once every 210 days.
64. Soak up Siam Niramit in Bangkok: Cirque du Soleil meets Andrew Lloyd Webber meets Thai culture and history. Arrive early to enjoy some snacks or to get a massage. The best seats are the most expensive, but worth it.
65. Visit Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon, Burma, on your birthday, when it is a tradition for long lines of Burmese, who all share the same date of birth, to sweep through the pagoda in a clockwise direction. Why not join them?
66. Take an hour-or-so round trip at dusk on one of Bangkok’s commuter ferries along the chaotic Chao Phraya, the Thai capital’s river of kings.
67. In Hong Kong, take a trip to Tai Long Wan, or Big Wave Bay, in Sai Kung, which is synonymous with hiking. Better still, the beach will make you forget that you’re in one of Asia’s most frenetic cities.
68. Experience the spectacle of Banaue’s rice terraces in the Philippines. They look like giant steps that ascend into the sky, but what you might not know is that they cover more than 10,000 square kilometres and are 2000 years old.
69. In Malaysia, trek up the 830-metre-high Penang Hill and escape the heat of tropical Georgetown; it’s a few degrees cooler.
70. Check out the eye candy at Phangnga Bay, which remains one of Thailand’s most scenic areas and is known as “James Bond Island” for its starring role in the Roger Moore outing The Man with the Golden Gun.
71. Take a train journey with a difference: the five- to six-hour trip from Kota Kinabalu through the rainforest up to Tenom; and three days on the luxury Eastern & Oriental from Singapore to the centre of Bangkok.
72. In Malaysia, go native in Taman Negara, one of the region’s oldest rain forests. For the eco traveller, this ecosystem is rich in biodiversity, with animals such as tree shrews, flying lemurs, sea otters and pangolins; they are rare but can still be spotted.
73. In the Philippines, kick off your thongs and walk barefoot along Boracay’s White Beach, where the granules of sand are so miniscule that even in the full heat of a summer day, they remain relatively cool.
74. In Japan, wander the safe, atmospheric and beautifully preserved backstreets and laneways of historic Kyoto by night. Then head to Gion for an amazing meal, and afterwards take a post-prandial stroll along the river, a popular haunt for local lovers.
75. Paddle for your life on a white-water-rafting lark down Ayung River in Bali with adventure pioneers Sobek. Class I and Class II rapids ensure many thrills but few spills on the 11-kilometre adventure.
76. When in Beijing, allow a full day of sightseeing in the magnificent, stunningly regal Forbidden City, home of the Emperor and his royal household for almost five centuries.
77. Stalk the rare Asiatic lion at the Sasan Gir sanctuary in Gujarat, western India, the only place outside Africa where you’ll find lions in the wild
78. In the Philippines, get up close and personal with a tarsier, one of the world’s smallest and most endangered primates. Cartoon-cute with saucer eyes and spindly frog-like hands, they reside on the eco-friendly island of Bohol, in a sanctuary to ensure the little tackers’ survival.
79. Order a Femme Fatale in Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s colonial-cosy Elephant Bar in Cambodia. The drink commemorates Jacqueline Kennedy’s 1967 stay to fulfill “a lifelong dream to visit Angkor Wat”.
80. Groove at tropical-chic restaurant/bar/beach club Ku De Ta in Bali. Then, with a last spurt of energy, have an early breakfast before the hedonists roll in, or dinner or drinks when they return to toast yet another day spent in paradise.
81. Smell the horseflesh at one of the world’s greatest race tracks: Hong Kong’s Happy Valley. Place a bet, then sit in the stands with the throng of cheering locals.
82. Dance the night away at Zouk in Singapore. While it was once the no-fun city of “do not” signs, the island nation now has myriad clubs like this that host some of the best DJs in the world.
83. Sink a tall, cold Angkor beer while you take in the sunset at “the F”, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Phnom Penh, the expat bar to beat them all. The geckos on the walls would agree. There’s also another branch of the FCC in Siem Reap that is well worth a look.
84. Drop in to Bar Yamazaki in Sapporo, Japan and meet 89-year-old Tatsuro Yamazaki, whose establishment celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Tell him where you’re from and he’ll play your national anthem on the bar’s PA and plonk your national flag down with your drink.
85. Scuba dive off of Sipadan Island in Malaysia. This oceanic paradise offers some 3000 species of fish and hundreds of types of coral; perfect, in other words, for an underwater break.
86. In Vientiane, Laos, order a large bottle of Beerlao (definitely one of our favourite Asian brews) at The Deck bar, one of the capital’s best and most happening hangs, with sweeping views over the Mekong River.
87. Disappear down the rabbit hole at White Rabbit in Singapore’s hip Dempsey area. Housed in a restored chapel, this quirky, Alice in Wonderland-themed bar has one of the city’s finest margaritas, as well as a range of interesting takes on classic cocktails.
88. When in Bangkok, make a bee-line for The Oriental and order a signature Chao Phraya cocktail, a tribute to this venerable hotel’s eponymous location by the city’s river.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Save | Affordable Europe
T+L European planner
By Alison Cameron, Sarah Thomas and Yolanda Cross
Planning a trip to Europe, and counting the cost? From planes, trains and automobiles to hotels and apartments, T+L provides you with the latest tips and travel news that will make your trip easier and save you money.
Getting there
In response to the global economic downturn at the end of last year airlines began offering business travellers some of the best deals that have been seen for many years. Australian travel commentator Martin Kelly, from TravelTrends.biz, says: “2009 is set to be the best year to travel internationally. Airlines are looking to stimulate demand.” One of the techniques being used to lure passengers back in to premium seats is companion fares. When you buy one ticket at the premium price you are given a second identical ticket for free. Japan Airlines (au.jal.com) was offering a companion business class fare for flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to London and Paris for $6079 (plus taxes).
Meanwhile Etihad (www.etihadairways.com) also released economy companion fares to 13 European cities with prices starting at $1515 (including taxes).
Industry observers believe that discounted prices and offers which have traditionally been restricted “early bird” packages, usually available from around October until March, may begin to appear throughout the year. As airline prices and plans are changing in response to demand the best way to keep up to date with all the latest deals is to subscribe to online airline newsletters. Online travel agents travel.com.au and bestflights.com.au also have newsletters that highlight new deals as they are announced.
LOW-COST CARRIERS
As more budget-conscious travellers opt for low-cost airlines, discount European carriers are expanding their networks. With 40 new routes planned for 2009, Ryanair (ryanair.com) is leading the way with flights between Edinburgh and Malta, and Oslo and Bolonga.
Rival EasyJet (easyjet.com) plans to launch 22 new routes this year, including from London Gatwick to Copenhagen and Berlin to Dubrovnik.
Lufthansa (lufthansa.com) has just launched its own low-cost carrier Lufthansa Italia, connecting Milan Malpensa to eight other European destinations, including Lisbon and Barcelona. We found a round trip ticket from Milan to Lisbon for $193.But the best offers, at the time of writing, came from Ryanair, which was offering free seats throughout Europe. There were restrictions to the number of free seats available on each flight and it took time and patience to find return flights.
However, by being flexible with times, dates and even the destination it was possible to score free return tickets.
T+L TIP when booking online beware that insurance and checked-in luggage is often automatically selected. To avoid paying unnecessary charges make sure you unclick and update the page before making any payment.
Getting around...
CARS:
Short-term car rentals: The biggest news in European car rentals is short-term hires. Last spring, Hertz introduced Hertz 369, a program which allows travellers in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, UK, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands to rent cars for three, six and nine-hour periods. This allows travellers the independence to have a day jaunt to the countryside, travel between neighbouring cities, or take one-way commutes to the airport.However, like many European deals or special offers this is not currently available to book from Australia or New Zealand. You have to book once you are in Europe (hertz.co.uk).
Another option is the new Connect service from Hertz (connectbyhertz.com). This is a Mini Cooper car-share scheme with hourly rates for members. Again this is only available when you are in Europe and only in Paris and London.The annual membership is $109 with hourly rates starting at $8.60 an hour with the first 50 kilometres free and 55 cents for every extra mile. Fuel, insurance and roadside assistance is all included making it a very attractive option.
Fuel efficiencyIn Europe Avis, Europcar and Hertz have the Toyota Prius Hybrid as part of their fleets and these can be booked from here in advance.
Another alternative is to rent a fuel-efficient diesel, such as the Ford Focus Diesel and Opel Astra models. This can reduce the pain of high European fuel costs and offer substantial savings. But be warned, diesel is not automatically cheaper in all countries. Many Eastern Europe countries such as Slovakia, Estonia and Latvia have very expensive diesel but it is a good economic choice in France and Portugal where diesel is 33 cents a litre cheaper than unleaded.
T+L TIP: When booking a car online or by phone directly with rental companies, your credit card details will be held but the payment will not be made until the car is picked up. However, if you want to lock in the exchange rate then book through a travel agent who has access to contracted Australian or New Zealand dollar rates and pay up front.
CRUISE:
In terms of the best all-inclusive cost, you would be hard pressed to beat a cruise trip in the current climate. "It’s just a great value holiday,” says Brett Dudley, owner of cruise travel agency Ecruising. "For anyone going from Australia, there’s no comparison to a land-based holiday. It’s just such an economical way to see Europe."Once all costs are factored into a driving or land-based holiday, costs can reach $1000 a day, says Dudley, whereas a seven-night itinerary with Costa Cruises (costacruise.com) can cost from $100 a day, which covers accommodation, transportation, all meals and entertainment.
The fares for top-end cruise operators can reach up to $800 a day, but cover everything from luxury suites to fine dining, alcoholic beverages and gratuities.Fares and itineraries are also set fairly far in advance with heavily discounted early-bird booking savings, such as 2010 world cruises with 60 per cent off. Competition between cruise-line operators is less fierce this year than in the previous few years, but there are still also many late deals available up to two or three weeks ahead of departure.
Cruise versus land-based tripBy sea Luxury operator Silversea Cruises (toll-free Australia 1300 306 872; 0800 701 427 New Zealand; silversea.com). has a 14-day Venice to Monte Carlo itinerary, with ports of call including Croatia, Sicily, Rome, Sorrento and Livorno, departing August 1. Prices start from $10,830 per person, based on double occupancy in a vista suite, which includes accommodation, dining, onboard entertainment, wines, champagne and spirits throughout the ship and gratuities.
By land A comparable itinerary would mean booking 11 different top-end hotels. Luxury properties in the regions covered by the cruise can be sought at about $1020 a night for an equivalent standard of room in Venice’s Hotel Gritti Palace. When all the equivalent costs of food, air travel between cities and ground transportation are added on, however, cruising can work out as a better value option.
HIGH-SPEED RAIL:
Advances in Europe’s rail infrastructure have shaved hours off inter-country travel. Touring this way also saves precious holiday time in avoiding lengthy check-in requirements at airports, while most stations are conveniently located in the centre of cities. "The city-centre to city-centre trip is value because you’re not having to pay to get out to the airports and obviously a lot of people are time-poor so this helps as well," says Greg McCallum, national sales manager for Rail Plus (1300 555 003; +64 9 377 5415; railplus.com.au). The Eurostar route between London and Paris takes just two hours and 15 minutes, with return fares from $130.
Elsewhere, a new route between Madrid and Barcelona has cut three hours off the trip, which is now about two hours and 45 minutes. Rail operator Thalys, which runs between Paris, Cologne, Brussels and Amsterdam, is also launching faster routes; its Paris-Amsterdam trip is now three hours and 15 minutes. New fast routes are also scheduled to open between Figueres, Spain and Perpignan, France this year, while Italy is continuing to expand its high-speed network with a Rome-Milan service of three-and-a-half hours that runs 18 times a day. Be aware that some rail lines only allow bookings 60-90 days in advance.
LUXURY ROUTESCentral Europe has a new top-end rail service with the launch of the Budapest-based Danube Express(+44 1462 441400; danube-express.com), which takes in destinations including Prague, Vienna, Berlin and Istanbul. The 10-day Bosphorus Journey itinerary travels from London to Istanbul and covers seven nights’ hotel accommodation and two nights on the train, sightseeing tours and most meals, from about $5730 per person The Royal Scotsman (royalscotsman.com) runs a four-day tour out of Edinburgh with stops at Inverness and Perth, and includes the opportunity for fishing, clay-pigeon shooting and guided walks, with all meals and drinks included for $7230.
T+L TIP The UK is jammed packed with stately homes and historical buildings. The Great Heritage Pass (britishheritagepass.com) offers free access to over 580 properties. Prices start at a very reasonable $70 for four days and a family 4-day pass costs $216. A typical entry fee is $32 per person, for a visit to Leeds Castle in Kent, making the passes great value.
Breakout: BEATING EXCHANGE RATESAustralian travellers have not had the luxury that US visitors to Europe have had with some hotel chains offering fixed US dollar rates to beat currency changes. Many operators have included currency surcharge fees to counter the volatile economic climate, although there are some operators that have guaranteed no extra fees.
Peregrine Adventures introduced a no currency surcharge policy last November on all its tours departing up until August 31, 2009. Marketing manager Jane Reed said the company had been confident that the prices there were offering weren’t going to be impacted by fluctuating exchange rates. "It certainly gives the consumer confidence in booking," she says. "There’s so much going on in the marketplace at the moment; on the one hand there’s a certain amount of discounting going on, but there are also surcharges. Our policy just cuts through all that confusion for the traveller to let them book with confidence."
Where to stay...
BUSINESS BRAND HOTELS:
Staying at a business chain hotel is a good way to score a bargain. Because corporate travellers are their bread-and-butter, these hotels often offer reduced rates to fill up rooms on the weekends.“At the end of 2008, there was a rapid deterioration in occupancy in most European cities," says Ben Walker, research manager for TRI Hospitality Consulting in London. "For the first time in many years, even London is a more affordable destination."
WEEKEND DELIGHTS:
At the time of writing, weekend rates at the Hilton London Olympia Hotel (380 Kensington High Street, W14 8NL; +44 207 603 3333; hilton.com/olympia) had dipped around 33 per cent to as low as $194 a night, while end-of the week prices at the Park Lane Intercontinental (One Hamilton Place, W1J 7QY; +44 207 409 3131; ichotelsgroup.com) dropped about 20 per cent to $645 per night. Even in busy periods it is worth checking out if hotels offer weekend deals that may include breakfast, free parking or family specials.
But as difficult as things are for established brands, says Walker, new hotels will have to work even harder to fill their rooms. Scandic Hotels (+46 8517 51720; scandichotels.com), for example, is opening seven new properties in Europe this year as part of a planned five-year expansion. New outposts include the Scandic Oslo Airport and a rebranding of the Palace Hotel in Copenhagen. When we went online the chain was offering a 40 per cent reduction per night at the Copenhagen Webers Hotel for guest staying between Friday and Sunday. The weekend rate was $199 compared to $330 during the week.Spain-based Sol Melia (solmelia.com) is also debuting several new hotels.
As part of its re-launch of the Gran Melia luxury brand, the company opened the doors of the renovated Gran Meliá Colón in the old quarter of Seville in February, and will open the doors of the Gran Meliá Creta in Crete in June. At the time of its launch, rooms were available online for $283 per night – almost 50 per cent off standard rates. In June the $240 million Rocco Forte Verdura Gofl and Spa Resort (Contrada Verdura Sciacca; +44 207 7663141; roccofortecollection.com) is due to open on the south coast of Sicily. Opening deals included seven nights for the price of five or 12 nights for the price of nine.
LOW-RATE CHAINS:
Now more than ever, budget brands are popping up across Europe. This January, Hotel Indigo (+44 207 835 2000; hotelindigo.com), Intercontinental Hotel Group's boutique brand, opened its first property in London, with plans for three more in the city by 2012. The 64-room Hotel Indigo London Paddington is long on personality and perks and short on price; double rooms start from $272 per night.
CitizenM (+31 208 117 055, citizenm.com) has opened its second property, CitizenM Amsterdam City, with a third hotel in Glasgow expected later this year. The openings are part of a five-year plan to have 20 properties throughout Europe. The current rates start at about $193 per night. The small rooms still manage to accommodate king-size beds, flat-screen televisions, wall-to-wall windows, and a MoodPad that allows technophiles to adjust all the room's gadgets (television, music, window blinds, temperature, coloured lighting and wake-up alarm) from one spot.
DESIGNER DEALS:
Last-minute bookings are become the worrying norm for the hotel industry so to encourage guests to book in advance Design Hotels (designhotels.com) is offering 10 per cent off bookings made 21 days in advance. The offer is valid only at certain of the company’s member hotels but includes properties in Italy, Spain, Estonia, Germany and Turkey.
VILLA RENTALS:
European villas have always offered great value, especially if you have a large family or group of friends to split the tab.
* Abercrombie & Kent has an arm dedicated to villas and apartments. At Sanctuary Retreats (1300 851 800; sanctuary-retreats.com) there are more than 50 properties to browse. On offer are two types of rental; the villa only “tailor-made” rentals or “sanctuary hosted” which includes a welcome at the airport, daily maid, a stocked kitchen and breakfast delivered on your first morning. On the online special deals page there were discounted villas offering prices 25 per cent cheaper than 2008 tariffs. The five-bedroom Tuscan property Podere Il Poggio has a permanent $3000 drop of price for a week-long stay. The house sleeps 10 making the new rate $1860 per person. Other offers include free hampers and discounted golf games.
* Elegant Resorts and Villas (02 8370 4850; elegantresorts.com.au) has a range of apartments in Florence, Paris, London, Venice and Rome. At the time of going to press this Australian company was offering a $200 discount on selected apartments in Italy. A stylish two-bedroom apartment in Rome’s Spanish Steps area starts at $365 per night for a minimum three-night stay. Meanwhile in London a two-bedroom apartment in Chelsea starts at $3530 a week.
* Citadines (citadines.com) offers what they describe as “apart’hotels” which are units with kitchens and other facilities including high-speed internet and access to meeting rooms. Citadines are currently operating in France, Germany, Belgium and the UK. Their website has a promotions page listing the current offers which can run up to two months in advance. At the time of writing the Citadines Paris La Défense, which is 10 minutes from the Champs-Élysées, was offering a weekend special; an apartment for four for $193 a night.
T+L TIP: European school holidays are July and August so only week-long bookings are available. For more flexible short stays avoid those months.
By Alison Cameron, Sarah Thomas and Yolanda Cross
Planning a trip to Europe, and counting the cost? From planes, trains and automobiles to hotels and apartments, T+L provides you with the latest tips and travel news that will make your trip easier and save you money.
Getting there
In response to the global economic downturn at the end of last year airlines began offering business travellers some of the best deals that have been seen for many years. Australian travel commentator Martin Kelly, from TravelTrends.biz, says: “2009 is set to be the best year to travel internationally. Airlines are looking to stimulate demand.” One of the techniques being used to lure passengers back in to premium seats is companion fares. When you buy one ticket at the premium price you are given a second identical ticket for free. Japan Airlines (au.jal.com) was offering a companion business class fare for flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to London and Paris for $6079 (plus taxes).
Meanwhile Etihad (www.etihadairways.com) also released economy companion fares to 13 European cities with prices starting at $1515 (including taxes).
Industry observers believe that discounted prices and offers which have traditionally been restricted “early bird” packages, usually available from around October until March, may begin to appear throughout the year. As airline prices and plans are changing in response to demand the best way to keep up to date with all the latest deals is to subscribe to online airline newsletters. Online travel agents travel.com.au and bestflights.com.au also have newsletters that highlight new deals as they are announced.
LOW-COST CARRIERS
As more budget-conscious travellers opt for low-cost airlines, discount European carriers are expanding their networks. With 40 new routes planned for 2009, Ryanair (ryanair.com) is leading the way with flights between Edinburgh and Malta, and Oslo and Bolonga.
Rival EasyJet (easyjet.com) plans to launch 22 new routes this year, including from London Gatwick to Copenhagen and Berlin to Dubrovnik.
Lufthansa (lufthansa.com) has just launched its own low-cost carrier Lufthansa Italia, connecting Milan Malpensa to eight other European destinations, including Lisbon and Barcelona. We found a round trip ticket from Milan to Lisbon for $193.But the best offers, at the time of writing, came from Ryanair, which was offering free seats throughout Europe. There were restrictions to the number of free seats available on each flight and it took time and patience to find return flights.
However, by being flexible with times, dates and even the destination it was possible to score free return tickets.
T+L TIP when booking online beware that insurance and checked-in luggage is often automatically selected. To avoid paying unnecessary charges make sure you unclick and update the page before making any payment.
Getting around...
CARS:
Short-term car rentals: The biggest news in European car rentals is short-term hires. Last spring, Hertz introduced Hertz 369, a program which allows travellers in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, UK, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands to rent cars for three, six and nine-hour periods. This allows travellers the independence to have a day jaunt to the countryside, travel between neighbouring cities, or take one-way commutes to the airport.However, like many European deals or special offers this is not currently available to book from Australia or New Zealand. You have to book once you are in Europe (hertz.co.uk).
Another option is the new Connect service from Hertz (connectbyhertz.com). This is a Mini Cooper car-share scheme with hourly rates for members. Again this is only available when you are in Europe and only in Paris and London.The annual membership is $109 with hourly rates starting at $8.60 an hour with the first 50 kilometres free and 55 cents for every extra mile. Fuel, insurance and roadside assistance is all included making it a very attractive option.
Fuel efficiencyIn Europe Avis, Europcar and Hertz have the Toyota Prius Hybrid as part of their fleets and these can be booked from here in advance.
Another alternative is to rent a fuel-efficient diesel, such as the Ford Focus Diesel and Opel Astra models. This can reduce the pain of high European fuel costs and offer substantial savings. But be warned, diesel is not automatically cheaper in all countries. Many Eastern Europe countries such as Slovakia, Estonia and Latvia have very expensive diesel but it is a good economic choice in France and Portugal where diesel is 33 cents a litre cheaper than unleaded.
T+L TIP: When booking a car online or by phone directly with rental companies, your credit card details will be held but the payment will not be made until the car is picked up. However, if you want to lock in the exchange rate then book through a travel agent who has access to contracted Australian or New Zealand dollar rates and pay up front.
CRUISE:
In terms of the best all-inclusive cost, you would be hard pressed to beat a cruise trip in the current climate. "It’s just a great value holiday,” says Brett Dudley, owner of cruise travel agency Ecruising. "For anyone going from Australia, there’s no comparison to a land-based holiday. It’s just such an economical way to see Europe."Once all costs are factored into a driving or land-based holiday, costs can reach $1000 a day, says Dudley, whereas a seven-night itinerary with Costa Cruises (costacruise.com) can cost from $100 a day, which covers accommodation, transportation, all meals and entertainment.
The fares for top-end cruise operators can reach up to $800 a day, but cover everything from luxury suites to fine dining, alcoholic beverages and gratuities.Fares and itineraries are also set fairly far in advance with heavily discounted early-bird booking savings, such as 2010 world cruises with 60 per cent off. Competition between cruise-line operators is less fierce this year than in the previous few years, but there are still also many late deals available up to two or three weeks ahead of departure.
Cruise versus land-based tripBy sea Luxury operator Silversea Cruises (toll-free Australia 1300 306 872; 0800 701 427 New Zealand; silversea.com). has a 14-day Venice to Monte Carlo itinerary, with ports of call including Croatia, Sicily, Rome, Sorrento and Livorno, departing August 1. Prices start from $10,830 per person, based on double occupancy in a vista suite, which includes accommodation, dining, onboard entertainment, wines, champagne and spirits throughout the ship and gratuities.
By land A comparable itinerary would mean booking 11 different top-end hotels. Luxury properties in the regions covered by the cruise can be sought at about $1020 a night for an equivalent standard of room in Venice’s Hotel Gritti Palace. When all the equivalent costs of food, air travel between cities and ground transportation are added on, however, cruising can work out as a better value option.
HIGH-SPEED RAIL:
Advances in Europe’s rail infrastructure have shaved hours off inter-country travel. Touring this way also saves precious holiday time in avoiding lengthy check-in requirements at airports, while most stations are conveniently located in the centre of cities. "The city-centre to city-centre trip is value because you’re not having to pay to get out to the airports and obviously a lot of people are time-poor so this helps as well," says Greg McCallum, national sales manager for Rail Plus (1300 555 003; +64 9 377 5415; railplus.com.au). The Eurostar route between London and Paris takes just two hours and 15 minutes, with return fares from $130.
Elsewhere, a new route between Madrid and Barcelona has cut three hours off the trip, which is now about two hours and 45 minutes. Rail operator Thalys, which runs between Paris, Cologne, Brussels and Amsterdam, is also launching faster routes; its Paris-Amsterdam trip is now three hours and 15 minutes. New fast routes are also scheduled to open between Figueres, Spain and Perpignan, France this year, while Italy is continuing to expand its high-speed network with a Rome-Milan service of three-and-a-half hours that runs 18 times a day. Be aware that some rail lines only allow bookings 60-90 days in advance.
LUXURY ROUTESCentral Europe has a new top-end rail service with the launch of the Budapest-based Danube Express(+44 1462 441400; danube-express.com), which takes in destinations including Prague, Vienna, Berlin and Istanbul. The 10-day Bosphorus Journey itinerary travels from London to Istanbul and covers seven nights’ hotel accommodation and two nights on the train, sightseeing tours and most meals, from about $5730 per person The Royal Scotsman (royalscotsman.com) runs a four-day tour out of Edinburgh with stops at Inverness and Perth, and includes the opportunity for fishing, clay-pigeon shooting and guided walks, with all meals and drinks included for $7230.
T+L TIP The UK is jammed packed with stately homes and historical buildings. The Great Heritage Pass (britishheritagepass.com) offers free access to over 580 properties. Prices start at a very reasonable $70 for four days and a family 4-day pass costs $216. A typical entry fee is $32 per person, for a visit to Leeds Castle in Kent, making the passes great value.
Breakout: BEATING EXCHANGE RATESAustralian travellers have not had the luxury that US visitors to Europe have had with some hotel chains offering fixed US dollar rates to beat currency changes. Many operators have included currency surcharge fees to counter the volatile economic climate, although there are some operators that have guaranteed no extra fees.
Peregrine Adventures introduced a no currency surcharge policy last November on all its tours departing up until August 31, 2009. Marketing manager Jane Reed said the company had been confident that the prices there were offering weren’t going to be impacted by fluctuating exchange rates. "It certainly gives the consumer confidence in booking," she says. "There’s so much going on in the marketplace at the moment; on the one hand there’s a certain amount of discounting going on, but there are also surcharges. Our policy just cuts through all that confusion for the traveller to let them book with confidence."
Where to stay...
BUSINESS BRAND HOTELS:
Staying at a business chain hotel is a good way to score a bargain. Because corporate travellers are their bread-and-butter, these hotels often offer reduced rates to fill up rooms on the weekends.“At the end of 2008, there was a rapid deterioration in occupancy in most European cities," says Ben Walker, research manager for TRI Hospitality Consulting in London. "For the first time in many years, even London is a more affordable destination."
WEEKEND DELIGHTS:
At the time of writing, weekend rates at the Hilton London Olympia Hotel (380 Kensington High Street, W14 8NL; +44 207 603 3333; hilton.com/olympia) had dipped around 33 per cent to as low as $194 a night, while end-of the week prices at the Park Lane Intercontinental (One Hamilton Place, W1J 7QY; +44 207 409 3131; ichotelsgroup.com) dropped about 20 per cent to $645 per night. Even in busy periods it is worth checking out if hotels offer weekend deals that may include breakfast, free parking or family specials.
But as difficult as things are for established brands, says Walker, new hotels will have to work even harder to fill their rooms. Scandic Hotels (+46 8517 51720; scandichotels.com), for example, is opening seven new properties in Europe this year as part of a planned five-year expansion. New outposts include the Scandic Oslo Airport and a rebranding of the Palace Hotel in Copenhagen. When we went online the chain was offering a 40 per cent reduction per night at the Copenhagen Webers Hotel for guest staying between Friday and Sunday. The weekend rate was $199 compared to $330 during the week.Spain-based Sol Melia (solmelia.com) is also debuting several new hotels.
As part of its re-launch of the Gran Melia luxury brand, the company opened the doors of the renovated Gran Meliá Colón in the old quarter of Seville in February, and will open the doors of the Gran Meliá Creta in Crete in June. At the time of its launch, rooms were available online for $283 per night – almost 50 per cent off standard rates. In June the $240 million Rocco Forte Verdura Gofl and Spa Resort (Contrada Verdura Sciacca; +44 207 7663141; roccofortecollection.com) is due to open on the south coast of Sicily. Opening deals included seven nights for the price of five or 12 nights for the price of nine.
LOW-RATE CHAINS:
Now more than ever, budget brands are popping up across Europe. This January, Hotel Indigo (+44 207 835 2000; hotelindigo.com), Intercontinental Hotel Group's boutique brand, opened its first property in London, with plans for three more in the city by 2012. The 64-room Hotel Indigo London Paddington is long on personality and perks and short on price; double rooms start from $272 per night.
CitizenM (+31 208 117 055, citizenm.com) has opened its second property, CitizenM Amsterdam City, with a third hotel in Glasgow expected later this year. The openings are part of a five-year plan to have 20 properties throughout Europe. The current rates start at about $193 per night. The small rooms still manage to accommodate king-size beds, flat-screen televisions, wall-to-wall windows, and a MoodPad that allows technophiles to adjust all the room's gadgets (television, music, window blinds, temperature, coloured lighting and wake-up alarm) from one spot.
DESIGNER DEALS:
Last-minute bookings are become the worrying norm for the hotel industry so to encourage guests to book in advance Design Hotels (designhotels.com) is offering 10 per cent off bookings made 21 days in advance. The offer is valid only at certain of the company’s member hotels but includes properties in Italy, Spain, Estonia, Germany and Turkey.
VILLA RENTALS:
European villas have always offered great value, especially if you have a large family or group of friends to split the tab.
* Abercrombie & Kent has an arm dedicated to villas and apartments. At Sanctuary Retreats (1300 851 800; sanctuary-retreats.com) there are more than 50 properties to browse. On offer are two types of rental; the villa only “tailor-made” rentals or “sanctuary hosted” which includes a welcome at the airport, daily maid, a stocked kitchen and breakfast delivered on your first morning. On the online special deals page there were discounted villas offering prices 25 per cent cheaper than 2008 tariffs. The five-bedroom Tuscan property Podere Il Poggio has a permanent $3000 drop of price for a week-long stay. The house sleeps 10 making the new rate $1860 per person. Other offers include free hampers and discounted golf games.
* Elegant Resorts and Villas (02 8370 4850; elegantresorts.com.au) has a range of apartments in Florence, Paris, London, Venice and Rome. At the time of going to press this Australian company was offering a $200 discount on selected apartments in Italy. A stylish two-bedroom apartment in Rome’s Spanish Steps area starts at $365 per night for a minimum three-night stay. Meanwhile in London a two-bedroom apartment in Chelsea starts at $3530 a week.
* Citadines (citadines.com) offers what they describe as “apart’hotels” which are units with kitchens and other facilities including high-speed internet and access to meeting rooms. Citadines are currently operating in France, Germany, Belgium and the UK. Their website has a promotions page listing the current offers which can run up to two months in advance. At the time of writing the Citadines Paris La Défense, which is 10 minutes from the Champs-Élysées, was offering a weekend special; an apartment for four for $193 a night.
T+L TIP: European school holidays are July and August so only week-long bookings are available. For more flexible short stays avoid those months.
The List | 20 Travel Secrets You Must Know
Over the past year, Travel + Leisure editors and correspondents have scoured the globe to unearth the best undiscovered tips and tools for travelling smarter, faster, safer and more affordably. Whether you’re trying to identify the perfect seat on a plane or snare a top table at a restaurant, you’ll find all the right solutions in our guide.
1. Request extras with your room
If you’re booking several nights at a quiet time of year – or if you regularly visit one particular property – a hotel will often be willing to include some extra services (spa treatments, meals, transportation from the airport and other perks) in the price of your room.
The Hotel Hana-Maui (+1 808 248 8211; hotelhanamaui.com; doubles from $495), a Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award winner, has recently informally offered guests planning to stay five nights or more in a standard room a dinner for two at Kauiki, its seafood restaurant, plus a massage (a $400 value). Emmalani Park, the hotel’s head of reservations, says the best approach is to speak to a manager or a sales or marketing agent before you arrive: “Both can be more flexible than reservation agents.”
2. Pack these security-friendly hotel amenities
Fiddling around, decanting your favourite hair and body products into security approved mini containers is a thing of the past with some of our favourite hotels around the world stocking high-quality products in containers which meet the new Department of Transport regulations (100ml/grams or under).
Typically, in a standard room, bathroom products are 35ml and 75ml in suites. Sydney's Observatory stocks L'Occitane while the Hilton Hotels, domestically and internationally, have a range of especially created Crabtree and Evelyn products which are part of their La Source range. At Christchurch's Spire all rooms have 75ml New Zealand-made Evolu products which include a moisturiser with sunblock. In London the Connaught, Claridges and Berkeley all stock Asprey, while in the US all Ritz-Carlton properties have Bulgari bathroom treats.
3. Test the waters with a one-way cruise
“Repositioning cruises” used to be the only way to find a deal on a luxury cruise. When the weather changes seasonally the cruise ships move their ships from the Mediterranean in summer to warmer Caribbean waters in the winter and similarly from Alaska to the Caribbean.
Rather than sail with an empty ship the cruises are discounted to encourage passengers to join these “repositioning” journeys. But as companies expand their itineraries across the globe one-way cruises have become a new way for passengers to experience life on the high seas for less. Holland America and Carnival Cruises are both lines that offer one-way routes from Vancouver to Alaska in seven days.
Meanwhile Majestic America has a one-way cruise from Juneau, in Alaska, to Seattle. Holland America also offers travellers the option of taking one leg of their Grand World Voyage cruise, which lasts 117 nights and includes 39 ports on five continents. Depending on where you join the cruise you can buy a single leg ranging from 22 to 69 nights. In 2009 and 2010 the cruises depart in January and through Travel the World (1300 857437; traveltheworld.com.au) legs start from $5428 while the full cruise starts from $26,229.
4. City secret: London
Spend the $4 deposit on a visitor's Oyster card at any tube or bus station and save up to 50 per cent on your daily fares. There is a built-in capping system so the most you can ever spend in a day on Central London public transport is $13. Children under 16 travel free on trams and buses.
5. Seek out the best seats on board
The distance between rows of seats (known as pitch and still calculated in inches in the airline industry) varies from plane to plane and even between rows. In general domestic carriers, the pitch for seats is between 30–33 inches while exit rows range from 37–39 inches. But how much of a difference does a few inches make?
With 31 inches, a 183cm tall person's knee would touch the seat in front of him; with 34 inches he could put a hard cover book in his seat pocket without his knees touching; and with 36 inches he could get up from a window seat and walk to the aisle without disturbing the person next to him. Exit rows can vary within the same aircraft. When they are aligned one right after another the front exit-row seats will not recline.
For more information on seat pitches and configurations for most carriers visit seatguru.com or check out the airline websites.
6. How to snag a prized table
T+L US contributing editor and restaurant guru Anya von Bremzen has two time-honoured tips: 1) Show up a half-hour prior to your desired seating to catch any cancellations; and 2) send a fax or email, a strategy known to work at even the most popular spots such as El Bulli, in Spain (+34 97 215 0457; fax: +34 97 215 0717; bulli@elbulli.com).
Here are suggestions from reservationists at three other hard-to-book restaurants: L’ASTRANCE, PARIS “Two months before the date you desire, call at precisely 10am. Try to get on the waiting list, as we limit it to three parties; so if you make it onto the list, there’s a realistic chance of getting a table.” 4 Rue Beethoven, 16th Arr.; +33 1 40 50 84 40; dinner for two $581.BABBO, NEW YORK “Call at 10 am one month ahead of the date you want. And for a last-minute booking, try 9pm the night before, or after 3pm the day of.” 110 Waverly Place; +1 212 777 0303; dinner for two $120. FRENCH LAUNDRY, NAPA VALLEY “We’re open seven days, so call on the weekend, not during the week. Also, try opentable.com – we usually release two tables (one seats two, the other four) on a daily basis to the website.” 6640 Washington St., Yountville; +1 707 944 2380; dinner for two $480.
7. How to dial emergency abroad
All EU countries 112Australia 000Canada US 911Hong Kong 999Japan 119Thailand 191Argentina 911Mexico 060Israel 100New Zealand 111Switzerland 144Vanuatu 112
8. Late-closing Museums
Increasingly museums in Australasia, adopting a successful overseas trend, are opening their doors outside their normal hours allowing visitors to beat the crowds and visit popular exhibitions when most people have gone home.
Melbourne's NGV Australia (03 8620 222; ngv.vic.gov.au) is open on Thursdays until 9pm while Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW (02 9225 1740; artgallery.nsw.gov.au has “Art After Hours” on Wednesday evenings. Visitors can enjoy talks and films about current exhibitions and the galleries remain open until 9pm.
At the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra (02 6240 6411; nga.gov.au) it is worth ringing in advance to check if they have any late-night viewings as they change depending on the exhibitions on show.
At Wellington's National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa (+64 4 381 7000; tepapa.govt.nz) there is late opening until 9pm every Thursday. It is also open every day of the year including Christmas Day with public holidays often a time when you can have the galleries to yourself.
9. Kiwi hotel ratings
New Zealand does not use a star rating system for its hotels but rather uses Qualmark (qualmark.co.nz) which is an independently assessed agency backed by Tourism New Zealand. It rates all types of accommodation from backpacker lodges to the most exclusive properties. Qualmark’s user-friendly website allows you to pick locations and specify the standard and type of accommodation you want.
10. Watch out for the water
Flight attendants begin most flights serving bottled water, but if they turn to the plane’s onboard tanks, there may be cause for concern. According to the most recent available US study, one out of every six planes had coliform bacteria in its water tanks.
Since 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered 46 domestic airlines in the US to regularly flush, disinfect and test their water systems. Richard Naylor, the EPA’s aircraft drinking water rule manager, suggests that concerned passengers avoid drinking coffee or tea on board (water may not reach a cleansing boil). T+L tip: Also avoid using bathroom tap water (use wipes or mouthwash). Opting for canned drinks or stocking up on water after clearing security may be the answer.
11. Country secret: Japan
Sick of lugging heavy bags, along with weighty, shopping purchases, as you get off innumerable trains in the land of the rising sun? Help is at hand. Japan’s network of eminently reliable courier van services, such as Nippon Express and Black Cat, can relieve you of your burden for as little as $20. Most hotel staff can easily organise a courier for you, with your items, including pieces of luggage or cartons, waiting for you at your desired Japanese destination within a day or two.
12. How flat is flat
Many airlines have introduced “lie-flat” or “flat-bed” seats in their business and first class cabins, but don’t assume that “flat” translates to horizontal. For in-depth analysis of airline seats on a range of carriers, turn to flatseats.com, an industry watchdog site that ranks seats on factors such as configuration, width, cushion comfort, privacy, massage options and more.
FlatSeats’ data comes from Skytrax, a UK-based airline consultancy whose employees spend an average of 65 hours in the air per week. (Their top flat-seat picks? British Airways, South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic.)
163º Aer Lingus
169º El Al
170º Continental, Japan Airlines
171ºAmerican, Lufthansa
175º Air France, Qantas
180º Air Canada, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Jet Airways, Qatar, Singapore, South African, United, Virgin
13. Score last-minute discounted tickets to shows
Theatre tickets are not only expensive but increasingly difficult to find. Many performances sell out months in advance before you have even booked your holiday. The good news is that around the world there are ways of enjoying an evening out but only if you are flexible about what you see.
LONDON The Society of London Theatre has a box office in the centre of Leicester Square which offers cheap tickets on the day of performance. It opens at 10am but you can check out what is available online in advance (officiallondontheatre.co.uk/tkts/today/). When we checked it out, tickets for big productions like Chicago were on offer for $62.80 instead of $114 and Brief Encounter had tickets for $54 instead of $95. There are different windows for evening and matinee performances so check you have the correct one or you will have to queue up again. Even if the half price ticket booth has nothing you like, it is worth checking directly with theatres to see if they have standby tickets.
NEW YORK Broadway offers lotteries of usually between 10–25 reduced priced tickets per performance, especially in the slow months of January, February, September and October. Different theatres have varying rules but typically you are asked to give your name to the theatre two to four hours before curtain and return half an hour before the start of the show to see if you are a winner. Each winner can buy two tickets usually for around $20. When we checked, tickets for Hairspray were on offer though the box office for up to $176 but the lottery cost $25 and there were also standing room tickets at the back of the theatre available for $20.
MELBOURNE Half Tix (halftixmelbourne.com) at Melbourne's town hall offers reduced price tickets for sale on the day of the performance. However, the choice of shows is limited compared to other international cities. When we logged on, tickets for Menopause the Musical were on offer for $28.95 instead of the standard $48 price. Some theatres, including the Melbourne Theatre Company, offer “rush” seats which are available two hours prior to the start of the production and cost around $16-20. This is strictly first come, first served and be warned people are prepared to queue for hours for popular shows.
AUCKLAND Individual companies run their own “rush” ticket systems. Typically they are available if you are under 25. The New Zealand Opera has tickets for $25 on sale at 9am on the day of the performance with one ticket available per person with identification. The full price of tickets varies between productions but can range from $43.50 up to $139.
14. Extend the hold on your reservations
Most airlines don’t want you to hold your flight reservation for longer than 24 hours (the industry standard), as it ties up valuable tickets. However, there’s more flexibility than you might think, especially if you’re working with a travel agent over the phone rather than booking online, buying a ticket in a high-fare class, travelling during off-peak periods, or travelling internationally.
15. City secret: Berlin
From 6 to 10pm on Thursdays, you can get in free to the permanent exhibitions at several national museums, including the Picture Gallery, the New National Gallery and the Egyptian Museum. For a full list, visit smb.spk-berlin.de.
16. Fly business class for less
With the global economy forcing businesses to tighten their belts it’s a fine time to score deals for business class seats. To find out about drops in fares or specials, request newsletters from the airlines you use the most. Also sign up for online alerts from travel agents and web-based travel companies. Holiday seasons such as Christmas are traditionally a good time to fly because it is a time when business travellers stay home.
Webjet (webjet.com.au) offers the option to compare business class seats and it is possible to see when in a week it is best to fly for the most competitive fare. Tuesdays and Wednesdays come out as consistent low-cost performers. The site also has a business class alert system and deals page. Mature travellers may also be able to pick up good business class discounts. At the time of writing Thai Airways (thaiair.com), for example, was offering special “seniors” fares for their Royal Silk Business that is available to those aged 55 and above.
Also consider travelling part of your journey in economy and part in business to make significant savings. With the mix economy and business fares you can specify which leg you want in business. On a long haul flight you can move up to business on the leg when it is time to sleep and enjoy a “flat seat” without the full fare price.
17. Find complete train timetables
Rail Europe (03 9642 8644; raileurope.com.au) specialises in travel throughout the EU. It lists train companies within countries as well as itineraries that cross borders. There is also a helpful section on train travel tips. But when you are travelling within a country and looking for all available train times, be sure to check country-specific websites which often display more options. To make it easier for visitors, most European rail websites have an English language button. However, not all sites allow foreign credit cards so you may have to wait until you are in the country to buy tickets in person at a station.
Trip: Florence to VeniceNumber of daily departures on Rail Europe : 15Number of daily departures on Italy's Trenitalia ( www.trenitalia.it) : 18 Trip: Seville to Madrid Departures on Rail Europe :16Departures on Spain's Renfe (www.Renfe www.renfe.es) : 22Trip: Hamburg to BerlinDepartures on Rail Europe :20Departures on Germany's Die Bahn (www.bahn.de) 23
18. City Secrets: New York and Sydney
Avoid Looking for a taxi in New York between 4.30and 5.30am and 4.30 and 5.30pm. This is when many drivers change shifts or go off duty. Similarly, Sydney has an intractable 3pm driver “change-over” period when taxis can be near impossible to secure.
19. For whom the road tolls
If you are heading off for a road trip around Australia in a rental car there is no need to waste time in the long cash toll queues. If you already have an electronic toll tag in your car take it with you and use it in other cities. According to Melbourne City Link administration the tag does not have to match the registration of the owner of the tag so it is perfectly legal to carry your tag with you in a hire car when you go interstate.
If you don't have a tag or are travelling into Australia there is currently no facility to buy a short-term tag but some toll companies and road authorities will let you pay later but usually with an extra fee. There are signs at the toll area giving phone numbers to call for late payment.
20. Search globally, not locally
Search engines scour hundreds of airline sites and then offer the results in one handy location. Yet many sites also have foreign companion sites. When you first search somewhere such as Expedia you may start with the US parent site but if you are accessing a computer in Australia then it will redirect to the local version.
So in Australia searching expedia.com will redirect you to expedia.com.au. However if you are looking for information relating to travel in Britain searching expedia.co.uk will bring you more extensive results with more options and lower costs, than the other two addresses.
1. Request extras with your room
If you’re booking several nights at a quiet time of year – or if you regularly visit one particular property – a hotel will often be willing to include some extra services (spa treatments, meals, transportation from the airport and other perks) in the price of your room.
The Hotel Hana-Maui (+1 808 248 8211; hotelhanamaui.com; doubles from $495), a Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award winner, has recently informally offered guests planning to stay five nights or more in a standard room a dinner for two at Kauiki, its seafood restaurant, plus a massage (a $400 value). Emmalani Park, the hotel’s head of reservations, says the best approach is to speak to a manager or a sales or marketing agent before you arrive: “Both can be more flexible than reservation agents.”
2. Pack these security-friendly hotel amenities
Fiddling around, decanting your favourite hair and body products into security approved mini containers is a thing of the past with some of our favourite hotels around the world stocking high-quality products in containers which meet the new Department of Transport regulations (100ml/grams or under).
Typically, in a standard room, bathroom products are 35ml and 75ml in suites. Sydney's Observatory stocks L'Occitane while the Hilton Hotels, domestically and internationally, have a range of especially created Crabtree and Evelyn products which are part of their La Source range. At Christchurch's Spire all rooms have 75ml New Zealand-made Evolu products which include a moisturiser with sunblock. In London the Connaught, Claridges and Berkeley all stock Asprey, while in the US all Ritz-Carlton properties have Bulgari bathroom treats.
3. Test the waters with a one-way cruise
“Repositioning cruises” used to be the only way to find a deal on a luxury cruise. When the weather changes seasonally the cruise ships move their ships from the Mediterranean in summer to warmer Caribbean waters in the winter and similarly from Alaska to the Caribbean.
Rather than sail with an empty ship the cruises are discounted to encourage passengers to join these “repositioning” journeys. But as companies expand their itineraries across the globe one-way cruises have become a new way for passengers to experience life on the high seas for less. Holland America and Carnival Cruises are both lines that offer one-way routes from Vancouver to Alaska in seven days.
Meanwhile Majestic America has a one-way cruise from Juneau, in Alaska, to Seattle. Holland America also offers travellers the option of taking one leg of their Grand World Voyage cruise, which lasts 117 nights and includes 39 ports on five continents. Depending on where you join the cruise you can buy a single leg ranging from 22 to 69 nights. In 2009 and 2010 the cruises depart in January and through Travel the World (1300 857437; traveltheworld.com.au) legs start from $5428 while the full cruise starts from $26,229.
4. City secret: London
Spend the $4 deposit on a visitor's Oyster card at any tube or bus station and save up to 50 per cent on your daily fares. There is a built-in capping system so the most you can ever spend in a day on Central London public transport is $13. Children under 16 travel free on trams and buses.
5. Seek out the best seats on board
The distance between rows of seats (known as pitch and still calculated in inches in the airline industry) varies from plane to plane and even between rows. In general domestic carriers, the pitch for seats is between 30–33 inches while exit rows range from 37–39 inches. But how much of a difference does a few inches make?
With 31 inches, a 183cm tall person's knee would touch the seat in front of him; with 34 inches he could put a hard cover book in his seat pocket without his knees touching; and with 36 inches he could get up from a window seat and walk to the aisle without disturbing the person next to him. Exit rows can vary within the same aircraft. When they are aligned one right after another the front exit-row seats will not recline.
For more information on seat pitches and configurations for most carriers visit seatguru.com or check out the airline websites.
6. How to snag a prized table
T+L US contributing editor and restaurant guru Anya von Bremzen has two time-honoured tips: 1) Show up a half-hour prior to your desired seating to catch any cancellations; and 2) send a fax or email, a strategy known to work at even the most popular spots such as El Bulli, in Spain (+34 97 215 0457; fax: +34 97 215 0717; bulli@elbulli.com).
Here are suggestions from reservationists at three other hard-to-book restaurants: L’ASTRANCE, PARIS “Two months before the date you desire, call at precisely 10am. Try to get on the waiting list, as we limit it to three parties; so if you make it onto the list, there’s a realistic chance of getting a table.” 4 Rue Beethoven, 16th Arr.; +33 1 40 50 84 40; dinner for two $581.BABBO, NEW YORK “Call at 10 am one month ahead of the date you want. And for a last-minute booking, try 9pm the night before, or after 3pm the day of.” 110 Waverly Place; +1 212 777 0303; dinner for two $120. FRENCH LAUNDRY, NAPA VALLEY “We’re open seven days, so call on the weekend, not during the week. Also, try opentable.com – we usually release two tables (one seats two, the other four) on a daily basis to the website.” 6640 Washington St., Yountville; +1 707 944 2380; dinner for two $480.
7. How to dial emergency abroad
All EU countries 112Australia 000Canada US 911Hong Kong 999Japan 119Thailand 191Argentina 911Mexico 060Israel 100New Zealand 111Switzerland 144Vanuatu 112
8. Late-closing Museums
Increasingly museums in Australasia, adopting a successful overseas trend, are opening their doors outside their normal hours allowing visitors to beat the crowds and visit popular exhibitions when most people have gone home.
Melbourne's NGV Australia (03 8620 222; ngv.vic.gov.au) is open on Thursdays until 9pm while Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW (02 9225 1740; artgallery.nsw.gov.au has “Art After Hours” on Wednesday evenings. Visitors can enjoy talks and films about current exhibitions and the galleries remain open until 9pm.
At the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra (02 6240 6411; nga.gov.au) it is worth ringing in advance to check if they have any late-night viewings as they change depending on the exhibitions on show.
At Wellington's National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa (+64 4 381 7000; tepapa.govt.nz) there is late opening until 9pm every Thursday. It is also open every day of the year including Christmas Day with public holidays often a time when you can have the galleries to yourself.
9. Kiwi hotel ratings
New Zealand does not use a star rating system for its hotels but rather uses Qualmark (qualmark.co.nz) which is an independently assessed agency backed by Tourism New Zealand. It rates all types of accommodation from backpacker lodges to the most exclusive properties. Qualmark’s user-friendly website allows you to pick locations and specify the standard and type of accommodation you want.
10. Watch out for the water
Flight attendants begin most flights serving bottled water, but if they turn to the plane’s onboard tanks, there may be cause for concern. According to the most recent available US study, one out of every six planes had coliform bacteria in its water tanks.
Since 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered 46 domestic airlines in the US to regularly flush, disinfect and test their water systems. Richard Naylor, the EPA’s aircraft drinking water rule manager, suggests that concerned passengers avoid drinking coffee or tea on board (water may not reach a cleansing boil). T+L tip: Also avoid using bathroom tap water (use wipes or mouthwash). Opting for canned drinks or stocking up on water after clearing security may be the answer.
11. Country secret: Japan
Sick of lugging heavy bags, along with weighty, shopping purchases, as you get off innumerable trains in the land of the rising sun? Help is at hand. Japan’s network of eminently reliable courier van services, such as Nippon Express and Black Cat, can relieve you of your burden for as little as $20. Most hotel staff can easily organise a courier for you, with your items, including pieces of luggage or cartons, waiting for you at your desired Japanese destination within a day or two.
12. How flat is flat
Many airlines have introduced “lie-flat” or “flat-bed” seats in their business and first class cabins, but don’t assume that “flat” translates to horizontal. For in-depth analysis of airline seats on a range of carriers, turn to flatseats.com, an industry watchdog site that ranks seats on factors such as configuration, width, cushion comfort, privacy, massage options and more.
FlatSeats’ data comes from Skytrax, a UK-based airline consultancy whose employees spend an average of 65 hours in the air per week. (Their top flat-seat picks? British Airways, South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic.)
163º Aer Lingus
169º El Al
170º Continental, Japan Airlines
171ºAmerican, Lufthansa
175º Air France, Qantas
180º Air Canada, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Jet Airways, Qatar, Singapore, South African, United, Virgin
13. Score last-minute discounted tickets to shows
Theatre tickets are not only expensive but increasingly difficult to find. Many performances sell out months in advance before you have even booked your holiday. The good news is that around the world there are ways of enjoying an evening out but only if you are flexible about what you see.
LONDON The Society of London Theatre has a box office in the centre of Leicester Square which offers cheap tickets on the day of performance. It opens at 10am but you can check out what is available online in advance (officiallondontheatre.co.uk/tkts/today/). When we checked it out, tickets for big productions like Chicago were on offer for $62.80 instead of $114 and Brief Encounter had tickets for $54 instead of $95. There are different windows for evening and matinee performances so check you have the correct one or you will have to queue up again. Even if the half price ticket booth has nothing you like, it is worth checking directly with theatres to see if they have standby tickets.
NEW YORK Broadway offers lotteries of usually between 10–25 reduced priced tickets per performance, especially in the slow months of January, February, September and October. Different theatres have varying rules but typically you are asked to give your name to the theatre two to four hours before curtain and return half an hour before the start of the show to see if you are a winner. Each winner can buy two tickets usually for around $20. When we checked, tickets for Hairspray were on offer though the box office for up to $176 but the lottery cost $25 and there were also standing room tickets at the back of the theatre available for $20.
MELBOURNE Half Tix (halftixmelbourne.com) at Melbourne's town hall offers reduced price tickets for sale on the day of the performance. However, the choice of shows is limited compared to other international cities. When we logged on, tickets for Menopause the Musical were on offer for $28.95 instead of the standard $48 price. Some theatres, including the Melbourne Theatre Company, offer “rush” seats which are available two hours prior to the start of the production and cost around $16-20. This is strictly first come, first served and be warned people are prepared to queue for hours for popular shows.
AUCKLAND Individual companies run their own “rush” ticket systems. Typically they are available if you are under 25. The New Zealand Opera has tickets for $25 on sale at 9am on the day of the performance with one ticket available per person with identification. The full price of tickets varies between productions but can range from $43.50 up to $139.
14. Extend the hold on your reservations
Most airlines don’t want you to hold your flight reservation for longer than 24 hours (the industry standard), as it ties up valuable tickets. However, there’s more flexibility than you might think, especially if you’re working with a travel agent over the phone rather than booking online, buying a ticket in a high-fare class, travelling during off-peak periods, or travelling internationally.
15. City secret: Berlin
From 6 to 10pm on Thursdays, you can get in free to the permanent exhibitions at several national museums, including the Picture Gallery, the New National Gallery and the Egyptian Museum. For a full list, visit smb.spk-berlin.de.
16. Fly business class for less
With the global economy forcing businesses to tighten their belts it’s a fine time to score deals for business class seats. To find out about drops in fares or specials, request newsletters from the airlines you use the most. Also sign up for online alerts from travel agents and web-based travel companies. Holiday seasons such as Christmas are traditionally a good time to fly because it is a time when business travellers stay home.
Webjet (webjet.com.au) offers the option to compare business class seats and it is possible to see when in a week it is best to fly for the most competitive fare. Tuesdays and Wednesdays come out as consistent low-cost performers. The site also has a business class alert system and deals page. Mature travellers may also be able to pick up good business class discounts. At the time of writing Thai Airways (thaiair.com), for example, was offering special “seniors” fares for their Royal Silk Business that is available to those aged 55 and above.
Also consider travelling part of your journey in economy and part in business to make significant savings. With the mix economy and business fares you can specify which leg you want in business. On a long haul flight you can move up to business on the leg when it is time to sleep and enjoy a “flat seat” without the full fare price.
17. Find complete train timetables
Rail Europe (03 9642 8644; raileurope.com.au) specialises in travel throughout the EU. It lists train companies within countries as well as itineraries that cross borders. There is also a helpful section on train travel tips. But when you are travelling within a country and looking for all available train times, be sure to check country-specific websites which often display more options. To make it easier for visitors, most European rail websites have an English language button. However, not all sites allow foreign credit cards so you may have to wait until you are in the country to buy tickets in person at a station.
Trip: Florence to VeniceNumber of daily departures on Rail Europe : 15Number of daily departures on Italy's Trenitalia ( www.trenitalia.it) : 18 Trip: Seville to Madrid Departures on Rail Europe :16Departures on Spain's Renfe (www.Renfe www.renfe.es) : 22Trip: Hamburg to BerlinDepartures on Rail Europe :20Departures on Germany's Die Bahn (www.bahn.de) 23
18. City Secrets: New York and Sydney
Avoid Looking for a taxi in New York between 4.30and 5.30am and 4.30 and 5.30pm. This is when many drivers change shifts or go off duty. Similarly, Sydney has an intractable 3pm driver “change-over” period when taxis can be near impossible to secure.
19. For whom the road tolls
If you are heading off for a road trip around Australia in a rental car there is no need to waste time in the long cash toll queues. If you already have an electronic toll tag in your car take it with you and use it in other cities. According to Melbourne City Link administration the tag does not have to match the registration of the owner of the tag so it is perfectly legal to carry your tag with you in a hire car when you go interstate.
If you don't have a tag or are travelling into Australia there is currently no facility to buy a short-term tag but some toll companies and road authorities will let you pay later but usually with an extra fee. There are signs at the toll area giving phone numbers to call for late payment.
20. Search globally, not locally
Search engines scour hundreds of airline sites and then offer the results in one handy location. Yet many sites also have foreign companion sites. When you first search somewhere such as Expedia you may start with the US parent site but if you are accessing a computer in Australia then it will redirect to the local version.
So in Australia searching expedia.com will redirect you to expedia.com.au. However if you are looking for information relating to travel in Britain searching expedia.co.uk will bring you more extensive results with more options and lower costs, than the other two addresses.
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