Jetsettersblog

We’re all going on an Easter holiday, no more working for a week or two. Fun and laughter on our Easter holiday, no more worries for me or you…

Have you had enough of work already? Planning for the Easter school holidays? Finding the perfect family escape can be difficult, trying to find the right room, transfers and sorting out activities to keep the kids busy.

Need to Escape has taken the hassle out planning your next get-away by putting together some of the best family holiday deals in each state all you have to do is bring the family and some yummy Easter eggs.

NSW – Absolute Beachfront Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour Stay three nights in a Resort Room with the Family Fun Package at Absolute Beachfront Opal Cove Resort and receive welcome drink per guest, full buffet breakfast daily, 9 holes of golf and equipment hire, and two children stay free.

Three nights priced from $600 per room, sleeps four. Valid for travel from the 1 April 2010 – 22 December 2010. Bookings phone 1300 551 669 or see www.needtoescape.com.au

QLD – The Lakes Cairns Resort Stay seven nights in a 2 bedroom apartment with the Family Essentials Packages at The Lakes Cairns Resort and receive return transfers between Cairns Airport and The Lakes Cairns, resort passport voucher with savings of AUD100.00 on resort services per room,

Full Day Green Island Reef Cruise includes BBQ buffet lunch, choice of snorkelling gear or glass bottom boat tour and return coach transfers to The Lakes, Full Day Kuranda Tour – includes Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Scenic Rail, free time in Kuranda and return coach transfers to The Lakes Cairns,

Half day tour Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Kids 0-12 years inclusive eat buffet breakfast free when dining with a paying adult, a DFO Retail Outlet VIP Card offering additional 10% savings at selected stores and a Hot Deals voucher book offering selected discounts and value adds at surrounding restaurants, attractions and tours. Seven nights priced from $1710 per room, sleeps four.

Valid for travel until 31 March 2011. Bookings phone 1300 551 669 or see www.needtoescape.com.au

QLD – Sea World on the Gold Coast Stay two nights in a superior room at the 4.5 star Sea world Nara Resort and receive unlimited entry to Sea World for a family of four (two adults and two children).

Priced from $623 per room, sleeps four. Valid for travel from the 1 April 2010 – 22 December 2010. Bookings phone 1300 551 669 or see www.needtoescape.com.au

WA- Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa Stay four nights in a classic bungalow at the 4.5 star Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa and receive the fifth night free, return transfers from Broome’s International Airport and full buffet breakfast daily.

Four nights priced from $2004 per room, sleeps four, that’s a saving of $501. Valid for travel from 01 April 2009 to 31May 2010. Bookings on 1300 551 669 or see www.needtoescape.com.au

VIC- Somerset Gordon Place Stay 3 nights in a 2 Bedroom Executive at the 4.5 star Somerset Gordon Place and receive the third night free.

Three nights priced from $678, per room, sleeps maximum of 5. Valid for travel from 01 January 2010 – 20 September 2010. Bookings on 1300 551 669 or see www.needtoescape.com.au

NT- Palms City Resort Stay 5 nights in a Superior Motel Room at the 3.5 star Palms City Resort and receive free buffet breakfasts daily. Five nights priced at $1880 per room, sleeps four. Valid for travel from the 01 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. Bookings on 1300 551 669 or see www.needtoescape.com.au

TAS- Rydges Hobart Stay three nights in a Manor King Suite at the 3.5 star Rydges Hobart and receive the third night free. Also included is a Tasmanian Cheese tasting plate in your room on arrival. Three nights priced at $394 per room, sleeps four. Valid for travel 01 April 2010 to 31 March 2011.

Bookings on 1300 551 669 or see www.needtoescape.com.au

Qantas announced today it would invest $400 million to upgrade seats and inflight entertainment on nine Boeing 747-400 aircraft, and reconfigure its Airbus A380 fleet to meet the changing demands of the airline’s international customers.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said the changes would provide all long haul customers with a leading edge and consistent inflight experience and ensure the airline was best placed to meet forecast changes in premium cabin demand.

“The major upgrade will give all our long haul customers access to our award winning seats and inflight entertainment Qantas offers on its flagship aircraft, the A380,” Mr Joyce said.

“Customer feedback on the Qantas A380 experience is overwhelmingly positive, and this experience, including the fully flat Skybed in Business, the all-new Economy seat and the inflight entertainment system will be available to customers travelling on Qantas B747-400 services.”

“We are committed to investing in premium customer product and service – to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of our customers, maximise yields and generate revenue and investor returns.”
Mr Joyce said Qantas would always be a premium airline committed to offering a premium experience, and First Class would remain available on A380 services where demand existed.

“Maintaining a First offering on flagship routes is essential for Qantas as a premium airline. It is vital that we align this offering with forecast demand which is expected to be relatively slow compared to Business, Premium Economy and Economy,” he said.

“Our 14 A380 First suites will be offered on twelve aircraft and on daily services from Sydney and Melbourne to London via Singapore and Los Angeles.”

Mr Joyce said the changes were being made to respond to shifting travel trends across the globe.

“While some travel markets are recovering from the economic crisis, our assessment of longer term travel trends, which pre-dates the economic crisis, shows that international premium travel demand is changing,” Mr Joyce said.

“Just as Qantas was quick to respond to the downturn, we are now ensuring we are best placed to take advantage of the recovery and continue to invest in fleet, product and service.

“These changes will ensure we remain competitive in terms of aircraft configuration, product and service and that we are better able to ensure capacity is more closely aligned with demand.

“They will also add the equivalent capacity of more than three B747-400s, ensuring we can support future growth while reducing the need to purchase additional aircraft.

Qantas Airways Limited ABN 16 009 661 901 Further information and media releases can be found at the Qantas website: qantas.com

“The split A380 fleet will give Qantas greater flexibility to schedule the right aircraft, and the right configuration, on the right route, based on market demand.”

Details of the changes:

B747-400

. nine B747-400 will be upgraded and fitted with Qantas’ A380 standard seats and inflight product, including a fully flat Skybed sleeper seat in Business, an award-winning Marc Newson designed and Recaro manufactured seat in Economy and state-of-the-art on-demand Panasonic inflight entertainment in all classes

. First class cabins will be removed and Business seats installed in their place

. the three-class configuration will offer 359 seats (58 Business, 36 Premium Economy and 265 Economy), an increase of 52 seats overall

A380

. 12 A380s will continue to fly with a four-class configuration, including First class, but be refitted to reduce Business seating and increase Premium Economy and Economy seating

. the remaining eight aircraft will be delivered from 2012 in a three-class configuration and with no First cabin

. A380 seat numbers are to be confirmed subject to discussions with Airbus and suppliers

The upgrade and reconfiguration program will commence at the end of 2011 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013.

It will be funded through the combination of operating cash flows and pre-existing debt facilities. The majority of capital expenditure will take place in 2012.

Further details of the program, including where work will be undertaken, will be confirmed once contractual arrangements are finalised.
Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (Q4017)

Imagine flying over Uluru and Kata Tjuta in a helicopter watching the sunrise one of the most memorable experineces and seeing the words “Will you marry me?”

Well this happened to Rebecca O’Reilly of Turramurra, NSW when her now fiancé Michael Griffiths popped the question with the help of Ayers Rock Scenic Flights.

Scenic Flight Pilot, Max Power took the passengers on a 30 minute private charter flight passing over the Ayers Rock Community Oval. As they approached the oval they made a slow pass on Rebecca’s side of the helicopter.

Michael then popped the question “Will you marry me?” there was silence; glancing down at the oval where 80 crisp white sheets provided courtesy of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort were used to form the words “Rebecca, will you marry me?” Rebecca was in shock she couldn’t believe it, then answered “Yes of course I will marry you”.

Rebecca and Michael savoured the moment and celebrated the occasion with champagne on ice which was waiting for them back at the hotel.

The newly engaged couple stayed at Voyages five-star Sails in the Desert Hotel where you can sit back and relax under the magnificent white sails.

The Hotel features the acclaimed Mulgara Gallery, the award winning signature restaurant of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, Kuniya Restaurant, and the beautiful Red Ochre Spa for the ultimate in comfort and relaxation.

After the proposal comes the wedding and Voyages Hotels & Resorts has wedding packages for 2010/2011 on offer for couples wishing to walk down the aisle in the spectacular Red Centre staying at Ayers Rock Resort which provides a variety of accommodation options for every possible taste and budget – award winning Desert Gardens Hotel, self contained Emu Walk Apartments, the modern Lost Camel Hotel, the authentic Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge and the ultimate luxury wilderness camp of Longitude 131°.

Photos of the proposal can be found at

www.voyages.com.au/corporate/images

For further information on Voyages’ exclusive range of wedding packages, tours or Ayers Rock Resort accommodation follow the links on our website www.voyages.com.au,  or contact:

Phone: +61 2 8296 8010 or 1300 134 044 (Australia only)
Fax: +61 9299 2103

Email: travel@voyages.com.au

The mighty Indian Pacific celebrates its 40th Anniversary .

A train acclaimed not only as an Australian icon but as one of the worlds greatest train journeys.

History was made when the Indian Pacific departed Sydney Central Station on the first direct rail journey across the continent, forty years ago. Tens of thousands of people lined the track to witness what was said to be a symbol of nationhood; the first solid connection between the cities of the east and the isolated west coast.

More than 55,000 people now experience the vastness and beauty of the Australian outback on board the Indian Pacific each year. The train has earned its place as one of Australia’s most precious tourism entities.

“The Indian Pacific is so much more than a mode of transport,” said Commercial Director of Great Southern Rail, Russell Westmoreland.

“It is a journey of a lifetime as guests experience some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery, make new friends and enjoy fine dining in the comfort of an iconic train,” he said.

The Indian Pacific provides a rare window into the outback of Australia. From the stunning Blue Mountains with lush tree canopies and spectacular valley views the train winds through the Great Dividing Range, the salt lakes and sand dunes of South Australia and over the longest straight stretch of rail track in the world as it crosses the Nullarbor Plain.

“Australia is the only continent in the world that can be crossed coast-to-coast by train.

The wedge-tailed eagle is the symbol of the Indian Pacific – its massive two metre wingspan symbolises the epic journey of an adventure that spans a continent,” said Russell.

There is no better time to travel on the Indian Pacific than during its historic 40th year.

To celebrate the occasion, Great Southern Rail has a special package available throughout March, for travel before 31 August.

Guests booking a journey on the Indian Pacific in Red Sleeper Service, with two nights accommodation and one day of touring, will be entitled to a free upgrade to Gold Service.

The free upgrade equates to a discount of up to $661 per person and cabins are selling quickly.

To avoid missing out on this fantastic offer, contact Great Southern Rail on 13 21 47 or www.gsr.com.au or contact your licensed travel agent.

The Indian Pacific departs from both Sydney and Perth twice a week during the high season.

During low season the journey is limited to one return service each week.

QantasLink today announced an expanded flying schedule from 6 April across regional Queensland, as the airline takes delivery of its 20th 74-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

QantasLink Executive Manager, Mr Narendra Kumar, said QantasLink was pleased to be able to offer additional Q400 aircraft services to regional Queensland customers in Bundaberg, Emerald and Gladstone.

“The Q400 is the flagship of our QantasLink fleet and we are very proud to base ten Q400 aircraft in Queensland to give more of our customers access to this state-of-the-art regional aircraft and a premium flying experience,” Mr Kumar said.

“Qantas was born and bred in outback Queensland and we have remained committed to providing air services to these communities.”

“QantasLink operates to 22 destinations across the state, and it is very fitting, that, in our 90th birthday year, we are able to make this announcement about investing further in the future of regional Queensland.”

Mr Kumar said the new schedule would create further travel opportunities for regional communities and benefit local business and tourism. These included:

.
an additional two Q400 Bundaberg-Brisbane return services each week, and the upgrading of two flights from 50-seat Q300 aircraft to Q400 aircraft, resulting in an increase of 392 seats each week on 28 weekly return services;

. an additional two Q400 Emerald-Brisbane return services each week, resulting in an increase of 344 seats each week on 27 weekly return services; and

. an additional five Q400 Gladstone-Brisbane return services operating each weekday, departing Brisbane at 10:50am, and departing Gladstone at 12:20pm, increasing capacity by 740 seats each week.

QantasLink has invested over $600 million in 21 new Q400 aircraft since 2006. These aircraft will operate alongside the airline’s fleet of five Q200, 16 Q300 and 11 B717 aircraft, providing around 1900 flights each week to 54 metropolitan and regional destinations throughout Australia.

QantasLink makes a significant contribution to regional economies across Australia and currently services 22 destinations in Queensland.

QantasLink’s Sydney to Hotham flights will be back this 2010 winter season with the airline announcing it will offer additional services and an extended flight schedule, meaning visitors can spend less time travelling and enjoy more time on the slopes!

QantasLink will fly direct from Sydney to Hotham Airport, the only alpine resort-based airport in the Southern Hemisphere, from 25 June 2010. Services will run four times a week during the peak season and continue until 12 September.

Victorian Tourism Minister Tim Holding welcomes the reintroduction of QantasLink’s seasonal flights between Sydney and Hotham.

“Victoria’s ski fields are among the best in Australia and we’re pleased that these areas are becoming increasingly accessible to interstate and international visitors,” Minister Holding said.

“These flights are the perfect way to visit Victoria’s renowned alpine regions either for a short trip or to explore the many towns and villages in the High Country.”

Hotham’s General Manager, Belinda Trembath, is also excited about QantasLink’s announcement.

“We are thrilled that QantasLink are offering additional flights and an extended flight schedule to Hotham guests in 2010, allowing our interstate visitors to get even more time on snow this season.” Trembath said.

To celebrate the announcement of the new schedule, QantasLink will be offering a special sale fare of $179 one-way*, including taxes and charges,  valid for travel throughout the 2010 season.

With Hotham’s 2010 winter season just around the corner, there is no better time to organise your snow holiday. Experience the convenience of a ski-in, ski-out holiday with Hotham’s ‘Ultimate Fly, Stay & Ski’ package:

Ultimate Fly, Stay & Ski

Fly in for the weekend and get more time on snow with the return of QantasLink direct flights from Sydney to Hotham Airport. From $832* per person.

Includes:

- Return flights on QantasLink from Sydney to Hotham
- 2 nights accommodation in an Ultima 1 Bedroom Apartment
- 2 day all-mountain lift pass and equipment hire
- Return transfers from Hotham Airport

*Price $832 per adult – 4 share. Qantas flights on sale for discounted rate of $179 one way.

Package valid 2 – 22 July 2010. Subject to availability. Quote Code P2NFLYUL.

For holiday bookings or further Hotham information call 1800 hotham or visit www.hotham.com.au

This new year sees a new partnership between Spa Life, Australia’s leading spa travel and lifestyle magazine and the newly launched www.dayspaguide.com.au

The partnership provides readers with a glossy magazine four times a year as well as a comprehensive online resource.

Advertisers can now reach this targeted readership with an integrated campaign utilising display print advertisements, advertorial and directory listings in the magazines as well as banners, listings, e-newsletter adverto

QantasLink welcomed its first flight between Adelaide and Port Lincoln, marking the regional airline’s expansion into South Australia.

QantasLink Executive Manager, Mr Narendra Kumar, said he was excited to offer the people of Port Lincoln a premium regional airline product from today, with the airline operating its jet-like 74-seat Q400 aircraft between the state capital and Port Lincoln.

“We are offering the people of Port Lincoln our premium product, which will not only result in reduced flying time between Port Lincoln and Adelaide compared to other aircraft operated on the route, but will offer 3,400 seats each week between the two markets,” he said.

Mr Kumar added that QantasLink had also established a crew base in Adelaide.

“Nine new cabin crew will be based in Adelaide. We are delighted that we have been able to attract local people to operate our new South Australian service, and there is scope to build the base in the future and employ even more South Australians,” he said.

Mr Kumar thanked the people of Port Lincoln for their support of the new service.

“We look forward to QantasLink becoming an integral part of the local community, and to working with the local authorities to provide a premium air service to the Eyre Peninsula,” he said.

The QantasLink Adelaide-Port Lincoln schedule is as follows:

. four return services on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays
. three return services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and
. two return services on Saturdays and Sundays.

Mr Kumar also said customers travelling on the new service would enjoy seamless transfers across Qantas’ 163 domestic and international destinations, the ability to earn Frequent Flyer points and enjoy Qantas Club Lounge access for members.

QantasLink has invested over $600 million in 21 new Q400 aircraft since 2006. The airline has recently taken delivery of its 21st Q400 aircraft, which will operate alongside its fleet of five Q200, 16 Q300 and 11 B717 aircraft, currently providing around 1,800 flights each week to 53 metropolitan and regional destinations throughout Australia.

The addition of the Port Lincoln service will expand QantasLink, the country’s largest regional airline, to 54 destinations across all Australian states and territories.

QantasLink today announced its 2010 ski season schedule between Sydney and one of Australia’s most popular Alpine regions, Mt Hotham.

QantasLink’s new seasonal schedule will operate from 25 June – 12 September and will allow passengers to fly direct to Australia’s most elevated airport at Mt Hotham and be on the slopes within 45 minutes of landing.

Executive Manager QantasLink, Mr Narendra Kumar, said the two-and-a-half-month schedule would operate an average of three return flights each week, increasing services in the peak period to maximise tourism opportunities for the local region throughout the season.

“The flights will operate on selected Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays during the season to enable people to make a weekend or longer holiday break of skiing at Mt Hotham and nearby destinations such as Dinner Plain and Falls Creek,” he said.

Victorian Tourism Minister Tim Holding welcomed the reintroduction of QantasLink’s seasonal flights between Sydney and Mt Hotham.
“Victoria’s ski fields are among the best in Australia and we’re pleased that these areas are becoming increasingly accessible to interstate and international visitors,” he said.

“These flights are the perfect way to visit Victoria’s renowned alpine regions either for a short trip or to explore the many towns and villages in the High Country.

“QantasLink’s flights will provide a welcome boost to the tourism industry in the High Country; which is highly valuable to the region’s economy and generates thousands of local jobs.”

Fares are all inclusive when booked via the qantas banner above.

A whole 3-weeks cruising from Sydney through Asia to Singapore aboard P&O’s classic Arcadia with all meals including up to 5-course dinners, a night at Singapore’s Novotel Clarke Quay post-cruise with transfers for a day’s shopping, and air back to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide is selling through ecruising.travel in February next year from just $3649pp twin-share.

And adding to Arcadia’s many grand indulgences for her near-2000 guests as she cruises 21-nights to Brisbane, the Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Hong Kong, Halong Bay in Vietnam and Bangkok and Koh Samui in Thailand, is the fact this is a child-free ship offering adults the best in cruise experiences.

Arcadia has no fewer than fourteen bars and lounges, a fine dining restaurant through two decks and featuring 5-course dinner menus in the cruise price, two optional specialty restaurants at which a small additional charge applies (Arcadian Rhodes with the creations of famous British chef Gary Rhodes, and The Orchid specialising in Asian fusion) plus there’s a grill, Pan Pacific restaurant, tapas bar and pizzeria for more relaxed dining, and room service.

Nightly West End-style shows are staged in a 3-tier theatre, there’s a cinema, on-board guest speakers, two pools (one with a skydome), five whirlpool spas, a luxury spa, gym, casinos, and shopping facilities.

Arcadia sails from Sydney on February 13 2011;

for full details phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel