FREQUENT TRAVELLER - Control the cost of Communications

If you don't plan ahead, staying in touch while travelling can cost a small fortune. Expensive roaming fees on your mobile phone, wi-fi charges to check your emails using your laptop, and even just receiving calls and texts on your mobile can all add up to a lot more than you expect.

The key here is planning, and any time invested in this area will definitely pay off. Select the best mobile plan for international calls and plan ahead for wi-fi access if you plan to use the Internet a lot. A global wi-fi access deal may save significant money, but be aware that hotels are becoming very competitive with in-house wi-fi charges and it is always worth checking out the rate before logging on with your personal modem.

Travelscene American Express Taigum can provide your with International SIM cards to help reduce your communication costs. Ask us about Backchat Mobile Control

Tasmanian Wilderness Experience

Cradle Mountain Lodge is an iconic, unique wilderness experience, and the closest you can be to the entrance of the spectacular World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain - Lake St. Clair National Park.
Set unobtrusively amidst the wilderness are 86 private timber cabin each providing every required comfort, some with spa bath and log fire. The outdoor environment caters to every fitness level with more that 20 walking trails around the Lodge. There are mountains waiting to be trekked, trails waiting to be explored by horseback or mountain bike and fish waiting to be captured. Located in a region renowned for its sensational food and wine you will be tempted to taste the local produce in addition to savouring the breathtaking scenic surrounds. Dining at the Highland Restaurant is recognized as one of Tasmania's premier dining experiences, while Tavern Bar and Bistro is casual with a warm rustic atmosphere topped off by a roaring log fire. ( Freestyle )

Hayman Island - Luxury Resort

One of the leading luxury resorts of the world, beautiful Hayman Island laps the waters of Australia's breathtaking Great Barrier Reef.
Stylish elegance reflects the acclaimed tranquil surrounds of this private island. Throughout 4 wings of the resort, guests can hide away in their own beautifully appointed room, suite penthouse or beach villa, each with unique and peaceful outlooks. Superb restaurants offer the finest in contemporary Australian, exotic Oriental, al fresco Italian and modern European cuisine. The Great Barrier Reef location allows easy access to this world heritage listed site with colorful coral, tropical fish, snorkelling, diving and fishing surrounding the island. Swim in the salt-water, heated freshwater Lagoon Pool, or the beach with catamaran sailing, windsurfing and paddle skiing, all complimentary. For the energetic, there's tennis, badminton and billiards, all compliments of Hayman. Spa Chakra offers and exclusive selection of personally-tailored beauty and well being programs.
(Freestyle Collection)

Australia and Pacific

The world's largest island and its Pacific neighbours offer a diversity of experiences to amaze even the most seasoned traveler.

Australia's most desirable experiences are tucked away in some of the country's most spectacular terrain. Be immersed in the splendor of the Barrier Reed or the raw wilderness of the Kimberleys. Relax in secluded retreats of the Margaret River or enjoy pure indulgence with champagne and sensational views of the sun setting over Uluru. For quiet contemplation, take advantage of the geographically amazing vistas of the Blue Mountains or Marine haven Ningaloo Reef. Australia will delight your senses and palate with the finest wines and gourmet cuisine - a perfect way to relax after a day of discovery.

Nearby, and now one of the world's most desirable travel destinations, is New Zealand, where private retreats allow you to discover an unspoilt heritage. It's a land of dramatic contrasts and natural beauty - from the rolling green hills and tranquil beaches of the North Island to the dramatic alpine and fjordland scenery of the South Island. Luxurious hideaways are all over New Zealand. Some by the crystal clear waters of lakes or private streams, some are on the doorstep of magnificent golf courses and other by the backdrop of the impressive coastline or snowcapped peaks. Enjoy classically inspired food with a glass of vintage wine, sitting beside a crackling log fire. New Zealand is a rich, seductive retreat, far removed from the bustle of this busy world.

Just across the ocean is the Pacific - an untouched paradise. Translucent lagoons, with abundant sea life, white sandy beaches and superb over-water bungalows ensure relaxation. On a clear night, the sky sparkles with stars that quiver like a mirage on the horizon, and the sea breeze warms this untouched paradise, while you enjoy candle lit dinners on soft sand beaches. The elegance and romance of the South Pacific will remain forever in your dreams

The largest cruise ship in the World

THE world's biggest cruise ship has caused traffic jams in the US as hundreds of people clambered to get their first glimpse. The 225,000-ton megaship the Oasis of the Seas arrived at its new home at Port Everglades after its maiden voyage from Finland.

Standing sixteen decks high and rising 20 stories, crowds applauded as the Oasis of the Seas pulled in accompanied by a flotilla of small boats and doused by water cannons.

Carrying crew and construction workers, the vessel braved high seas and hurricane force winds in the North Atlantic Ocean along its 14-day journey from Finland.

In Denmark the giant cruise liner came within half a meter of a bridge the Great Belt Fixed Link on its maiden voyage to Florida.

The Oasis of the Seas can accommodate 6360 passengers, 2160 crew and offers a world of luxuries, including: 21 swimming pools, an ice rink, an aqua park, a casino, a zip line and real trees.

With six levels of staterooms, a turf-covered chip and putt golf course, the world's first open-air amphitheater at the stern, two surfing simulators and a boardwalk surrounded by restaurants, it is more like a giant ritzy resort than a cruise ship.

Oasis of the Seas will make its four-night maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Labadee in Haiti on December 1.
(news.com.au)

Frequent Flyer Travel Tips

AVOID AIRPORT STRESS - Airports can be a real nightmare for even the most seasoned traveller, so the advice here is to do as much as you possible can before your get to the terminal. Check-in online whenever the option is offered, and fill in the departure forms.

Airlines are getting tougher on the baggage weight, so save yourself any undue grief and expense and work within their guidelines.

Airport lounges provide a welcome sanctuary from the hustle and bustle, so invest in membership if you travel often, or find out if the airport offers independent lounges which welcome casual visitors.

Cruise Holiday

Many people look for the inclusive holiday, with no more to pay, (except maybe drinks). Well a cruise holiday is a great way to go. You get your transport (ship), meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner and afternoon tea, and sometimes late night snacking), entertainment, (daytime activities, and evening shows), kids club, different destinations each time you stop. The pacific cruises offer, Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, Hawaii, Tahiti, and lots more.
How about Asia, from Singapore or Hong Kong, visiting China, Thailand, Borneo, and more.
Europe offer, the Mediterranean, Baltic Seas, Norway, and more.
Or a river cruise, down the Rhine, Danube, or Main rivers. Talk to us, the cruise specialists, about your inclusive holiday.