Do you have a question for Jane? Feedback on this blog? A date with George Clooney you’re giving away?
Please feel free to post a comment on the site, or you can email Jane at jane@janeefraser.com.au
Do you have a question for Jane? Feedback on this blog? A date with George Clooney you’re giving away?
Please feel free to post a comment on the site, or you can email Jane at jane@janeefraser.com.au
ok jane. found you on line and just want some advice. i’m widely travelled throughout europe and asia but i’m looking for something incredibly special for a week or 2 on honeymoon on the eastern pacific side of Oz. I’m really excited about going to Fiji, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, or similar…. (mind you I’ve always dreamed of going to Vietnam too) We’re not really flush but after 7 years of being together, lots of struggles, 3 years gaining an overseas divorce, heart attacks, strokes etc, and just needing a real holiday, we need to find a location that will be more gorgeous than where we live and work (Hayman Island) be affordable and I really love places where the locals are down to earth and don’t just see “tourists” as an open bank account…. nothing annoys me more.
Any ideas? Cheers
Annie
thanks for your email, Annie. I will reply in detail in a blog post later this week.
rgds,
Jane
Hi Jane
Found your blog from the age article about google search. Some good information and will check for updates.
I tried sending you an email but the above address bounced back.
I produce travel videos and also use to live near Noosa – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOxw6_coIKA
regards
Mark
Hi Jane I note your article ‘when two plus two equals not you’
I am a senior who generally travels alone – with an older/ageing australia why are there not more accommo for seniors – most times I have to pay for two & it is only me one person – my what value if you are a husband & wife & two children
can you address this please in an article
Hi Jenny,
I have done a few articles on solo travel over the years but unfortunately I haven’t come up with any magical solutions to the accommodation cost issue. Hotel rooms are priced per room and it doesn’t really make any difference to the hotel if there are two people in it or just one. They won’t halve the price for solo travellers because they can sell the same room for its full price to someone else. Some tour companies are starting to offer better deals for solo travellers but with hotels you are stuck with the per-room pricing.
Rgds,
Jane
A good article on Consular services and Govt help Jane.
Very true and well written as it is so true that travellers think that SuperMan or Superwoman will rescue them.
In fact what you wrote is multiplied in a negative sense moreso when same travellers may run into redtape of foreign Government departments and local police and law enforcement agencies who do not agree wityh, understand or respect our laws and apply their conditions instead.
In times of need (Volcanos,Earthquakes, Riots, Airline collapses and strikes, a Travel Agency human contact is worth thousands !
hi jane my husband and i have been married 20 years next march and want a small romantic break away we thought of Hamilton Island but want value for money can you recommend anything special
we don’t want ot go to far as we have 3 children and want to be able to jump on transport if needed
thanks michelle parkes
Hi Michelle,
Happy impending anniversary!
It’s hard to recommend something specific without knowing your specific budget and interests, but based on what you said, you would possibly find better value for money on the Qld mainland, such as the Gold or Sunshine Coasts. You don’t have to stay among the crowds – there are lots of gorgeous, boutique-style properties in the hinterland areas of both coasts. Unless you want a beach sort of holiday, in which case there are also lots of quieter beaches away from the crowds.You could probably get a good deal if you lock in now for a stay in March.
Rgds,
Jane
Hidden costs on cruising! having just returned on a 14 day south pacific cruise with H A L. We have been charged extra charges whilst cruising with this line totalling nearlly $500 per couple. $ 11.50 hotel service charge pppd. 15% beverage surcharge, $6 pp port charges. $5 for a bottle of water in your cabin. As this is our 8th cruise, first with Holland America, we have never experienced these sort of charges before. We do think that travel companies should be obligated to make known these extra costs to their clients before commiting to a cruise. Mike Ware.
Great Blog. Will keep coming back. I am looking for good value cruises out of Brisbane. What time of the year is best. Now following you on twitter. All the best
Hi Jane,
Regarding Last Minute travel sales declining – I think it is because they rarely offer any substantial bargains. That used to be the premise – do things at the last minute and get a bargain – at least that is the way I saw it. Sometimes here in Oz, you get lucky, but with flights especially I dont think thats the case. Hotels fare better.
I’ve visited some countries that do it this way. Israel is a great example. Travelling for the average Israeli is very expensive but some sites like daka90.co.il (i think it translates to 90 minutes before – and im not affiliated to them btw) actually give you discounted flights, hotels and packages, albeit at terribly early or late times etc. The deals are basically what the airlines / hotels / charters cant sell. From the people I know, the sites does very well.
Air Asia X
Have any other travellers had problems with Air Asia X recently?
One of our family was booked Perth to London return on Air Asia X for travel in June 2012. Air Asia X cancelled that service and offered a refund or a replacement flight with another carrier. We selected the refund but have not yet received it and we know of others who are still waiting confirmation of their replacement flights. Air Asia X has no obvious office, phone number or post address in Australia. The only “contact” is a never answered overseas phone or email. It just not good enough and the failure by the company to respond leads us to believe that they are trying to avoid repayment.
Any comment from others?