China Southern Airlines

Guangzhou-based China Southern Airlines (code CZ) has operated into Australia for more than 10 years. It now flies 11 times a week between Sydney and Guangzhou and increasing to double daily from June 25, 10 flights a week from Melbourne, four times a week from Brisbane and three times a week from Perth. It also offers daily direct services from Guangzhou to Auckland. In 2012 China Southern launched the Canton Route with new direct flights Guangzhou to London and Europe. China Southern operates the largest airline fleet in Asia and with more than 80 million passengers carried in 2011 it is the third largest carrier in the world.

Patagonia

Image: World Expeditions

Patagonia is a vast and varied territory making up the lowermost portions of South America, straddling both Chile and Argentina. With a landmass comparable in size to the entire eastern seaboard of Australia, the region is rich in scenic and natural wonders.

Many Antarctic Peninsula cruises depart from Ushuaia, the world’s most southerly settlement. Here in the renowned Tierra del Fuego, visitors have the perfect opportunity to explore the breathtaking alpine landscapes. Around the corner in Chile you are at the gateway to an immense, almost polar area that boasts some of the most beautiful fjords anywhere.

The Chileans have three superb national parks on their side of Patagonia; Parque Nacional Puyehue, Laguna San Rafael and Torres del Paine. Each can claim to be amongst the most spectacular in the world incorporating fjords, rich biospheres, glaciers, volcanoes and abundant distinctive wildlife like the curious Patagonian guanaco.

Not to be outdone, Argentina’s easterly regions justifiably flaunt the likes of Peninsula Valdés where visitors can get amongst large numbers of sea lions, seals, rheas, penguins, flamingos and even whales.

Patagonia can be considered a destination in itself, not merely a South American sidedish, so please consider any extensions offered as part of a larger package.

Air Canada

Company Profile

Air Canada is the only airline to fly daily and nonstop between Sydney and Vancouver, continuing onwards to Toronto, same flight number, same plane. Air Canada is the fastest, most convenient and the most comfortable way to travel between Australia and Canada. Air Canada's modern B777-200LR aircraft is the spacious alternative to transpacific travel, complimented by the refreshing Canadian hospitality for which our award winning service is renowned.

 GLOBAL NETWORK
Air Canada has major hubs in three Canadian cities (Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver). Its extensive global network provides scheduled passenger service directly to 59 Canadian cities, 56 destinations in the United States and 63 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada and its regional partners operate approximately 1,530 scheduled flights each day on average. Together with its Star Alliance partner airlines (www.staralliance.com), Air Canada offers service to 1,290 airports in 189 countries and provides reciprocal top tier frequent flyer benefits.
Discover air Canada's global network with the new interactive route map
View Air Canada's interactive route map

WHAT'S NEW
New fleet and on-board features
In July 2009, Air Canada received delivery of its 18th Boeing 777 aircraft concluding the first phase of its international fleet renewal. Deliveries of the first of 37 Boeing 787 aircraft are planned to commence in 2014. In addition, Air Canada completed its fleet-wide refurbishment program to offer a consistent on-board product on every refurbished aircraft. Concurrently, Air Canada became the first North American carrier to introduce lie-flat beds in all business class cabins across its refurbished international fleet.

Air Canada aircraft feature all new seats, industry-leading seat-back personal entertainment systems with hundreds of hours of movies, shorts, documentaries, TV programs and music available on demand, as well as standard 110V electrical outlets and USB ports at arm's reach for all customers. Air Canada operates one of the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleets of any North American legacy carrier.
Visit our cabins

Double the movies at your seat
Our Air Canada enRoute In-flight Entertainment system has been created to make your flight as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. We have doubled the movies and increased our TV content to create one of the best on-board entertainment experiences available anywhere!

Beginning with a touch-screen TV at your seat, choose from over 600 hours of on-demand entertainment including movies, TV shows, music albums, satellite radio, the choice is yours.

As of May 2012, we have doubled our in-flight movie programming bringing our selection at up to 150 movies: from 31 to 63 movies on flights within North America and from 72 to 150 movies on international flights
See what's playing this month

 Mobile services
Air Canada offers a growing array of services for smart phone users from its mobile platform mobile.aircanada.com. In 2009, Air Canada became the first North American airline to release apps for Apple iPhone and BlackBerry smart phones. Since November 2010, customers can purchase mobile upgrades and pay service fees using the apps mobile+ function. The apps also provide access to Air Canada Vacations and Air Canada Cargo services. Since September 2011, customers can book flights using Air Canada's app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. Stay tuned for an Air Canada Android app, coming soon to mobile.aircanada.com.
Find out more about our mobile travel tools

Awards
In 2011, Air Canada was ranked 'Best International Airline in North America' in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers conducted by independent research firm Skytrax for its 2011 World Airline Awards. Also in 2011, readers of Global Traveler magazine voted Air Canada "Best Airline in North America." and readers of Business Traveler voted Air Canada "Best North American Airline for International Travel" and "Best In-Flight Services in North America." In the Ipsos Reid Business Traveller Survey, Air Canada was named "Canada's Favourite Airline for Business Travel." Air Canada was preferred by 73 per cent of Canadian business travellers surveyed for 2011, the third consecutive year of improvement in Air Canada's ratings in the national survey.
Discover our award winning service

FLYING WITH AIR CANADA
Executive First (International)
On your next international trip, relax in the privacy of our Executive First Suites*, with the added comfort of a fully flat bed.
Designed to provide you with your own personal space that's ideal for a good night's sleep, each Executive First Suite* reclines into a fully flat bed at the touch of a button. Armed with a comfy pillow and duvet and fully equipped with all the latest in-flight amenities, you'll arrive at your destination completely refreshed and ready to start your day.

Each Executive First Suite is equipped with enhanced features, amenities and priority services including personal 12 inch touch-screen TV with 600 hours of top rated entertainment, fine dining accompanies by a selection of premium wines, spirits and beers, Maple Leaf Lounge access and Concierge Agent.
Experience our Executive First Suite virtual tour

Economy Class (International)
On your next international trip, experience hours of comfort and entertainment with our new economy seats*, featuring the following enhanced features including personal 8.9 inch touch-screen TV with 600 hours of top rated entertainment and complimentary hot meals accompanied by a selection of wines and spirits.
Explore our Economy Class cabin (international)

Maple Leaf Lounge
Each of our 20 award-winning Maple Leaf Lounges-located at all major airports across Canada and at key international locations-provides a private, serene escape from thebustle of airport activity, offering an unrivalled level of service in a cosy, comfortable setting with clean architectural lines, warm natural colours, and breathtaking views.

Our industry-leading business centres are equipped with all the technological features and amenities to let you hit the ground running, from wireless Internet access and secure PC workstations. Enjoy exclusive access to our Maple Leaf Lounges on your next trip when you purchase a qualifying fare or show proof of a qualifying membership.
Find out more

Concierge Service
Air Canada Super Elite members and Executive First customers can enjoy exclusive dedicated service from the moment you check-in at Sydney and in 20 airports around the world from more than 150 carefully selected Concierge Agents. Our Concierge Agents are available to assist you with travel and airport related matters, special requests, such as hotel or restaurant reservations and additional support if ever your travel plans are disrupted.
Find out more

Loyalty Program
Air Canada's loyalty program, Aeroplan (www.aeroplan.com), is Canada's most popular with more than four million active members who earn Miles and privileges towards reward travel on Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners. Air Canada's Top Tier frequent flyer program entitles qualifying members to receive exclusive benefits such as complimentary upgrades and Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority airport and reservations services, and Star Alliance gold and silver status that are recognized by Air Canada's partner airlines world-wide.

Air Bagan - leading operator of domestic flights within Myanmar

Air Bagan, founded in June 2004 is the leading operator of domestic flights within Myanmar.

With a fleet of 6 aircraft, 2 x Fokker 100, 2 x ATR – 42, 2 x ATR- 72, Air Bagan provides a comprehensive coverage of key routes connecting the main cities and towns in Myanmar.

With Air Bagan serving 19 cities and towns including the key hubs of yangon, bagan, mandalay and the capital nay pyi taw, the tourist can travel effortlessly throughout Myanmar.

(now operating to 19 destinations including main tourist destinations as well as to other commercially important destinations, Air Bagan serves Yangon, Mandalay, Nyaung U, Heho, Kyaing-tong, Tachileik, Myitkyina, Putao, Dawei, Myeik, Kawthaung, Thandwe, Sittwe , Pathein , Nay Pyi Taw, Kalaymyo, Lashio, Homalin and Monywa.)

Following the recent opening of Myanmar to all tourists, Air Bagan is poised to develop further and to play a leading role in the growth of the tourism infrastructure within Myanmar.

For further information, regarding reservations, ticketing and schedules for Air Bagan, please contact :

Aviation & Tourism International

tel: 1300 302 068, tel: 61 (02) 9279 4278

email: jlbati@ozemail.com.au

Sapphire Coast’s springtime feast of beasts

Children who like to get up close and personal with the wild, weird and wonderful should be heading for the NSW Sapphire Coast over the spring school holidays. It’s the best time of the year to see whales on the move – and get involved in lots of animal adventures.

National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre and Potoroo Palace are all offering a range of activities that will allow kids – and their parents – to find out more about critters with fur, feathers and fins.

The NSW NPWS Discovery activities include rock pool exploring, shore-based whale watching, night bush adventures and tours of the Davidson Whaling Station. Bookings are essential and full details are available from the NPWS office at Merimbula (02 6495 5000) or on the website (check Eurobodalla and Sapphire Coast at http://www.wildwildworld.com.au).

Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre at Eden is offering a range of its most popular activities during the holidays including a 90-minute guided tour of the local rock platforms with a marine biologist and special marine-related creative sessions. Bookings are essential. For more details, phone (02) 6496 1699 or check the website (www.sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au.

Potoroo Palace Native Animal Education Sanctuary at Merimbula looks more like a baby nursery right now, with a new potoroo, three emus and a koala among the recent arrivals. And there is a baby tawny frogmouth due any minute! More information is available on the website (www.potoroopalace.com/) or by phoning the Sanctuary on (02) 6494 9053.

Eden whale watching

Eden-based whale specialist Cat Balou will be running its popular whale watching cruises every day during the holidays. Learn about Eden’s fascinating whaling history while catching sight of the humpbacks at play. More information is available on the website, www.catbalou.com.au/

Of course, it’s not just all about animals on the Sapphire Coast. Experienced and would-be mountain bike riders should make sure they bring their gear (or hire some locally at Tathra Beach and Bike) for the Sapphire Coast October Cycle Fest. From September 28 to October 1, there is a range of activities geared from the absolute beginner, to the highly experienced racer. A highlight is the social Wharf to Waterhole Ride to celebrate Tathra Wharf’s 150th birthday. Check all the details on the club website (http://www.tathramtbclub.com/)

Cobargo Farm is having an Open Garden Day and Spring Equinox Celebration on Saturday, September 22. From dawn to dusk, there are demonstrations and activities including permaculture, wood turning, soap making, cheese making, spinning and sustainable gardening. Entry by gold coin donation. More information [(02) 6493 6817 or 0409 033 828] or drop into the farm, corner of Bermagui Road and Avernus Street, Cobargo.

And on September 30, Tathra Wharf celebrates its 150th birthday with food, fun and entertainment from 150 years ago, from around 9am. Come and learn the history of Tathra and its unique wharf. Enjoy delicious local produce. Watch the surf boats race past the Wharf. Be part of the panorama and the history. More information from the Tathra Wharf Celebration Committee on (02) 6494 1689.

Located on the far south coast of NSW, the Sapphire Coast is three hours’ drive from Canberra via Cooma or a six/seven-hour drive from either Melbourne or Sydney. There are also regular daily flights from Melbourne or Sydney via REX Airlines into Merimbula, and regular inter-city bus services.

More information on the area, and accommodation details and bookings, are available by calling toll-free on 1800 150 457 or by visiting the region’s website, http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au

Escorted Vacation or Ocean Cruise?

It All Depends on Why You Want to Travel

It all started with The Love Boat. Americans discovered the romantic world of cruising and they couldn't get enough. But what they didn't realize was that although there were wonderful shipboard activities, they were only seeing a fraction of what these incredible destinations had to offer. Whether choosing an ocean cruise or an escorted tour, what is most important is that you receive everything you are looking for in your perfect vacation. If you are interested in experiencing the culture of your destination, in sampling the local cuisine and meeting the people, if you want to learn the history of a country from local guides, if you want to spend time exploring and discovering off-the-beaten track treasures, then an escorted tour is for you!

While cruises do offer visits to major cities, a majority of Europe's cities and scenic splendors are simply too far inland to visit in a day from a port. Over 90% of Europe's major attractions and culture are miles from the nearest seaport or navigable river, and many of Europe's great cities were built inland as a means of defense - purposely built away from the coast. Mediterranean cruise ports are often industrialized and unattractive, with few cultural attractions, and shore excursions are usually expensive add-ons averaging several hundred dollars, taken on fleets of crowded buses with little personal attention to your interests or needs. Cruising can be an insulated experience, mainly catering to North Americans, and when the cities come alive at night, you are generally back on board eating in the same ship restaurants instead of discovering authentic local cuisine and becoming acquainted with Europe's exciting night life.

Tours and cruises have some things in common: They are both fun, hassle-free travel experiences good for couples, singles and families. On both a tour and a cruise, fares include transportation, accommodations, entertainment, and onboard (or many included) meals. On the ship, there is a staff that caters to your needs. On a tour, you are accompanied every step of the way by a Tour Director who acts as your personal concierge, local historian, and destination expert.

But it's not the similarities that should be a defining reason you choose a tour over a cruise - it's the differences! On an ocean cruise, group size can easily range from 1,500 to over 5,000. Most destinations are only seen during the day, and major sightseeing is at an extra cost. For example, a Rome cruise excursion costs $229 per person to visit the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican. On a typical 10-day cruise these optional shore excursions can cost you thousands of dollars - and you will be traveling with a fleet of 25 or more 54-seat buses, making the experience rushed and crowded. On an escorted tour, the group size is never more than 52, and more often is closer to 36. And all major sightseeing is included in the tour price! For example, the Rome excursion above would be included on an escorted tour at no extra cost to you! On a land tour, you can enjoy mountain excursions, gondola rides, and train trips. You'll visit palaces and castles, tour museums and galleries, sample local delicacies, and dine in local restaurants. And because the tour group is small, you'll make friends with fellow English speakers from around the world.

Perhaps the most surprising difference between a cruise and a tour is the price. While cruises appear to be a great deal when you start out, after you include all the extras, you pay a lot more than you bargained for.


Typical 12-Night Italy Cruise
$2490 Cruise Price
$1200 Air
$80 Transfers
$145 Taxes/Port Charges/Fees
$1200 Major Sightseeing
= Total $5115 per Person

Typical 12-Night Italy Escorted Tour
$2925 Tour Price
$1200 Air
Includes Transfers
Includes Taxes/Fees
Includes Major Sightseeing
= Total $4125 per Person

Whether you are a past cruise passenger ready for your next adventure, or looking for a vacation that really shows you Europe, escorted touring offers a world of sightseeing that cruisers can only dream about. Immerse yourself in the culture of a country, enjoy local cuisine, meet local people, see wonderful sights and step in the path of history. Think about what you really want out of your next vacation, and then make the choice that's best for you!

For more information on Escorted Vacations, contact your local Travel Agent, or go to www.thetravelcorporation.com.

A world of unique, luxurious and cost-free retreats

Global house sitting website enabling Australians a smart way to travel and homeowners peace of mind

As holiday accommodation becomes increasingly expensive, house sitting is the savvy way for Australians to enjoy an affordable retreat either at home or overseas. This travel and lifestyle concept is for those who want to travel outside the traditional box and enjoy new options not to mention all the extra benefits housesitting offers.

Trustedhousesitters.com is a global house sitting website available to Australians offering two options; a great way to luxuriously travel world-wide while saving thousands of dollars on accommodation costs and being free from the confines of hotels and pre-planned itineraries. For Australian homeowners, it allows them to list their homes for free and review the profiles of hundreds of potential house sitters to care for their homes and pets when going away.

This unrivaled service has allowed many to enjoy house sitting opportunities in the United Kingdom and Europe as well as in over 50 other countries, including Australia. Whether looking for long term travel affordability or a week’s holiday, Trustedhousesitters.com offers many new luxurious retreats, free of charge, around the globe, every day.

Trustedhousesitters.com offers historic mansions in France, thatched cottages in English villages to Georgian London homes, villas in Tuscany, Spain and Portugal, house boats in Amsterdam, and homes close to many ski resorts.

Once registered, a daily update of the latest house sits worldwide are emailed to members. It’s really only one click and you could be on your way to a new adventure and a lifestyle of travel.

For Australians seeking a solution for their home and pet care while they travel, Trustedhousesitters.com provides comprehensive information about potential sitters. Homeowners can review the detailed profiles of ideal sitters keen to look after homes and pets, free of charge, by viewing online references, specific pet care experience, ratings from past house sitting assignments, police checks, photos and video profiles.

Kristine and Geoff McCarroll from Sydney, NSW, said “We joined and immediately secured one month on the island of Mallorca looking after a very large villa. It was not difficult to secure another in Spain in another beautiful home. We loved everything about our assignment; the country lifestyle with the comfort of the huge villas and with use of the host’s car, we are discovering the local markets and festivals too”.

House sitting is a savvy way to travel. It offers people the opportunity to experience a region living like a local rather than just staying in another hotel. It not only saves on accommodation costs but restaurant bills - and having your own kitchen offers the chance to visit local food markets and cook fresh regional produce. House sitting offers the chance to properly immerse within a local community, learn a language, get off the beaten track, and enjoy far more unique experiences than you’d usually find in any travel guidebook. It also offers the chance to ‘test’ living in another country if you are considering buying or moving overseas, or just to affordably travel the world looking after, and staying in decadent homes.

Australians are renowned travellers with family ties and connections around the world however, it may not always be convenient to stay with relatives therefore Trustedhousesitters.com can be the perfect solution and a good suggestion to mention if you have friends coming to visit for a longer period of time.

Detailed information for both house sitters and homeowners looking for a sitter is easily navigated via the website at www.trustedhousesitters.com. It’s full of tips and answers all questions that may be asked. Trustedhousesitters.com is offering Australian homeowners free full membership to list their home for house sitting assignments (just enter the promotional code ‘Aus’ during the registration process.)

From just $29 Australians can join as a house sitter and save thousands on accommodation costs either in their own country or anywhere else in the world.