Month: May 2018

School holidays travel – tried and true ideas for a tear free trip

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In need of a survival guide to get you through the upcoming school holidays? You are not alone. Family holidays are meant to be about making time and creating memories that your children will carry with them for the rest of their lives (ok that might be aiming too high…at least into next term!). But often, school holidays can be fraught with stress and problem solving that can easily sap the energy and magic right out of your vacation.

Here, we share a few ideas to help smooth the way to a fun – not frightful – trip away with your children.

  1. Book early!

We can’t stress this enough. Let’s face it, everyone with school aged children will be planning to travel and book accommodation at the same time as you, so thinking ahead and making that travel booking needs to be done as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  As they say, the early bird gets the worm (or the room as the case may be.)

  1. Select a destination to suit the ages and interests of your family.

It pays to have a good think about your kids’ ages, and how well the destination you have in mind might meet their age requirements and keep them best occupied. If younger members of the family are entertained and happy, it gives you a chance to relax and enjoy yourself too.

Overseas favourites like Bali and Fiji have great reputations as family destinations for those with younger children and babies, with good reason. The staff generally go above and beyond to entertain young guests while Mum and Dad kick back and have a chance to finish off breakfast at the restaurant buffet in peace! If your kids are older, perhaps a road trip and more adventure style options will seem less daunting. For example, the Gold Coast is famous for theme park fun if you think your kids are old enough to appreciate an action packed trip full of rollercoaster action. Melbourne offers everything you need to inject a little culture into your children’s lives. And the alpine regions of NSW and Victoria have adrenalin and snow adventures in easy reach, ideal for both summer and winter breaks that get you back in touch with nature and the great outdoors. It all depends on your family, so it pays to spend some time to consider your options in order to get this right.

  1. Apartments versus hotel rooms.

Let’s face it. Sometimes more is just, well, more! To make sure your holiday vibe remains chilled, an apartment can be a great option, offering a true home away from home experience with the added benefit of more space. Often, apartments also include several separate guest rooms, kitchen and laundry facilities. Especially great for those with larger families, who might not fit a traditional hotel room style configuration.

  1. Consider inviting friends and family.

There are definite benefits to travelling with family (including grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles), or close friends. By agreeing to travel to a destination with your wolf pack, you can ensure there will always be trusted friends to join your kids in the pool for a game of Marco Polo, a mate to bring you a drink while you are slaving over the barbecue, and an extra set of eyes to watch your brood while you duck away for that much need afternoon holiday nap. Plus, you get to share your holiday experiences with people you care about, with stories to reminisce over for years to come.

  1. Pack a carry bag with essentials, treats and surprises.

We all know that life happens, even to the best of us. To take the stress and drama out of excursions, day trip, flights and road trips always pack a carry back with you so that all the essentials you require are in reach. That includes first aid and toiletry essentials, and an extra set of clothes for each person (just in case!). Prepare your travel entertainment in advance too (charge those devices and pack those books and pencils!), and don’t forget some new gadgets or surprises to build moral and keep little minds engaged should you encounter delays on already long trips.

  1. Plan ahead… and then plan B (and in some cases, C)

The most organised trip can easily get derailed, so it’s important to stay flexible, adapt to changes, have a plan B ready to go to if unforeseen problems crop up. A sense of humour is also essential to face issues with a smile and set the tone for your little ones! In terms of itineraries, it’s always a good idea to plan some structured time into your day to give focus and have something to look forward to, even if it’s as simple as a daily beach walk or board game. For more packed itineraries that have you out and about in your destination, don’t forget to factor in some down time to simply relax and veg out with your crew. Sometimes it’s the unplanned moments where true holiday magic and memories happen!

To plan your next holiday escape visit www.accorvacationclub.com.au

 

 

The information in this article is not personal financial advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person.  Before making a decision to purchase or upgrade a membership in the Accor Vacation Club, you should consider the PDS dated 1 January 2017, issued by A.P.V.C. Ltd AFSL 245515 and available at www.accorvacationclub.com.au or by contacting A.P.V.C. Ltd on 1800 70 81 90.

Seasonal packing ideas, Photo by Mantas Hesthaven from Pexels

Six seasonal holiday packing tips

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Are you a disorganised suitcase stuffer? Or guilty of never have an umbrella handy when there is a torrential downpour outside? Packing for a trip away, even a short escape, can be a challenge for many people, with the urge to pack more ‘just in case’ items in your luggage than you and your nearest and dearest will ever manage to wear in the space of a week.

At this time of year, in-between weather can also present a challenge. Here are 6 simple suggestions to help keep you on track when getting your overnight case packed for your next short break this season.

1. Check the weather at your destination

It seems so simple…yet so many of us still don’t check the short range forecast before we head off. A quick search for your destination on the Bureau of Meteorology site can provide insights into what you really need to pack when heading away. If it looks like being sunny and humid for the week, do you really need to pack that beanie and snow boots? In most locations it definitely pays to check the low and high temperatures for the season too, and not assume that it is simply a cold or hot climate. Some tropical destinations can have surprising low temperatures in the winter months that you need to be prepared for, before the day heats up. I’ve seen some Fijians, not acclimatised to cooler weather, wear a beanie in August before the sun comes up on Denarau Island!

 

2. Mix and match

Planning your holiday wardrobe around neutrals is always a great idea, as it makes it that much easier to mix, match and be versatile with the pieces that do make it into your suitcase. Silver jewelry or a few statement items (think earrings, necklaces, scarves,) can bring basic outfits to life in short time. And if you run out of statement items? Always a great excuse to holiday shop (and let’s face it, who doesn’t do that already?!), and treat yourself to a ‘souvenir’ outfit!

 

3. Lay-er it all on me

If you are confused or concerned that the weather might be changeable at your destination, then layering is always a great strategy. Packing an assortment of tops, lightweight knits, jackets, and even a light rainproof jacket, is an almost foolproof way of ensuring you are never too hot or cold, with the option to simply adding or removing a few items to warm up a notch or cool down when the mercury rises. Long sleeve, light shirts can also be handy in hot locations, as an easy way of protecting yourself from the sun.

 

4. Then roll baby, roll

Most people have heard of this hack before, but if you haven’t tried it (and you just can’t bear the thought of packing less), then this is a tip for you to test drive this season. Layering can involve packing more, albeit sometimes less bulky, items, and rolling has been credited with not taking up less room in your suitcase, so it’s a natural solution to making more space for your clothes. Handy when packing tricky autumn and winter wear. Apparently your clothes end up less creased too – bonus! Of course, if an item does end up with a case of the wrinkles, and an iron isn’t handy, then hanging clothes on a hanger in a steamy bathroom and waving a handy hairdryer can smooth out your problems.

 

5. Scarves

Fashionable and functional, scarves are a great mid-season item to transform a neutral outfit from boring to brilliant in no time. When the temperature drops or the wind picks up, a knitted scarf added around your neck and décolletage adds warmth, and in hot weather can provide protection from the sun’s rays. Easy to pack and barely taking up any room, you can take a variety of colours, prints and textures to add some action and interest to your holiday wardrobe.

 

6. Fancy footwear

Shoes glorious shoes! While taking 20 pairs of shoes for a trip is (arguably!) a little over the top, for trans-seasonal weather holidays, having a decent variety of shoes to meet your weather and destination needs to actually a smart move. You will never regret packing a casual option, a classic or slightly dressy shoe, and a more functional option (think walking or all weather hiking boot depending on your location) for most trips. Empty corners or sneaky vacant spots in your luggage are perfect for packing (or hiding more) shoes, and matching pairs heel to toe style will buy you more space. Stuffing your shoes with rolled up socks will help retain their shape during travel, and always take some plastic bags, dedicated to storing your shoes in, to keep your clothes and other items protected on your travels.

To plan your next holiday escape visit www.accorvacationclub.com.au

Photo by Mantas Hesthaven from Pexels

Accor Vacation Club loyalty partner, Le Club AccorHotels check in

Freddie awards Accor Vacation Club loyalty partner, Le Club AccorHotels

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Are you part of the Le Club AccorHotels loyalty program? Many Accor Vacation Club Members are, and will be delighted to know that Le Club AccorHotels has taken home six prestigious Freddie Awards this month – including Best Redemption Ability & Best Customer Service for the Middle East/Asia/Oceania and Best Program, Best Customer Service, Best Promotion and Best Redemption in Europe/Africa.

The six awards presented to Le Club AccorHotels were more than any other single loyalty program taking part.

 

What is Le Club AccorHotels?

Le Club AccorHotels – which is free to join – is the first hotel loyalty program that allows its members to use points all around the world with no date or availability restrictions, as well as offering member-only benefits and services at each stage in the customer journey, accessed via AccorHotels.com and the mobile app. The program has more than 42.9 million members globally with 13 million members in Asia Pacific.

If you join up to a Le Club Accorhotels Membership, you will be able to earn loyalty  points when you stay at any one of over 2,800 Sofitel, Pullman MGallery, Grand Mercure, The Sebel, Novotel, Mercure and Ibis hotels and resorts worldwide on a qualifying rate with AccorHotels.

 

What are the Freddie Awards?

Created in 1988, the Freddie Awards give loyalty program members the opportunity to vote for the world’s best airline, hotel and credit card loyalty programs. A record 4.4 million frequent travellers voted this year. What is important about these awards is that they are weighted on quality and are voted by frequent travelers who often belong to several programs, so they are a true sign of which programs truly deliver the best experience.

Henrik Berglind, Vice President AccorHotels Loyalty Asia Pacific said, “We are delighted to have won Best Redemption & Best Customer Service for two of out of three available categories because we are committed to offering our members a rich and personalized guest experience and rewards that make their travel more exciting. The award for Best Customer Service recognises all the hard work put in by the staff in our customer care offices.

“I would like to thank all our loyalty members who voted for us and assure them that we are working hard to make Le Club AccorHotels even better as our loyalty guests are our highest priority.”

 

What’s new for Le Club AccorHotels?

Highlights for Le Club AccorHotels members in Asia Pacific over the past 12 months has included the relaunch of MyResorts to enrich members’ experiences at the group’s 100+ resorts in Asia Pacific and a strategic partnership with Mastercard, offering members access to exclusive VIP events including concerts and key sporting events such as the Australian Open and UEFA Champions League. AccorHotels also launched La Collection in Australia and will launch in May for rest of Asia Pacific, an online store, which gives members the opportunity to use their points to shop for a range of items and redeem points for elite experiences.

“We continue to invest in enhancing and expanding the Le Club AccorHotels program to ensure our members have more choices than ever to redeem their points and upgrade their membership experiences,” said Mr Berglind.

 

If you are interested in signing up, or simply finding out more about how a Le Club AccorHotels Membership complements Accor Vacation Club, visit:

www.accorhotels.com/leclub/australia/join-loyalty-program/index.en.shtml

 

The information in this article is not personal financial advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person.  Before making a decision to purchase or upgrade a membership in the Accor Vacation Club, you should consider the PDS dated 1 January 2017, issued by A.P.V.C. Ltd AFSL 245515 and available at www.accorvacationclub.com.au or by contacting A.P.V.C. Ltd on 1800 70 81 90. All hotel and cruise bookings are subject to availability.

The beach opposite The Sebel Palm Cove Coral Coast

Timeshare travel review – The Sebel Palm Cove Coral Coast

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While the rest of Australia is awaiting a pre-winter cold snap, Tropical North Queensland is still enjoying gorgeous weather, helping it stay on top as one of our favourite year round destinations.

One standout holiday gem along the coast has to be Palm Cove. For those seeking out a restful retreat with the sound of the ocean to lull you to sleep each night, this quaint beachside village is just the ticket. Far from the maddening crowds, and beyond the hustle of the busy tourist strip of downtown Cairns some 30 minutes south, it is the perfect place to stop, drop and finish that novel or crossword you’ve been putting off. Swaying palm trees, sundowners’ and sandy-heeled walks all par for the course on this holiday.

 

Speaking of courses…

Did we mention that golfers have a choice of 13 different golf courses in and around Palm Cove and Cairns to choose from for those keen to work on their game between cocktails? Beyond the call of the fairway and fishing pier on its famous beachfront, Palm Cove actually offers holidaymakers so many options when it comes to exploring the region. So keep your schedule clear before happy hour to make sure you pack as much (or as little) in as you can handle.

 

 It’s only natural

For those that visit Palm Cove and the top end for the first time, undoubtedly the thing that surprises them most is just how amazing the natural attractions of this destination really are. Most people underestimate the impact of their first encounter with the Great Barrier Reef, or how small they feel when they encounter the ancient trees of the Daintree Rainforest or wilderness of Cape Tribulation. A range of National Parks are within driving distance of Palm Cove for great day trips from your resort.

For an up close and (not too personal) encounter with fauna indigenous to the area, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure Park is worth checking out. It boasts the largest collection of crocodiles in captivity and hosts a crocodile attack show to set your pulses racing. The park also offers encounters with koalas, cassowaries, and an educational wetlands cruise.

 

Picturesque Palm Cove beach

Palm Cove is well known for two things – being one of Far North Queensland’s cleanest beaches, and one of its cleanest. Protected 500 year old Melaleuca trees line the length of the beachfront, a beautiful sight, but also practical offering shade for beachgoers throughout the day. No beach umbrella required here. They are such an important part of the beachfront, that local buildings have been built around them, ensuring they remain an iconic and memorable part of the Palm Cove experience.

Swimming at Palm Cove is great at all times of the year, but just as a precaution its best to only swim inside the swimming enclosures during Stinger season from mid-November to mid-May. Of course, at all times of the year it is advisable to swim between the Surf Life Saving rescue flags, coloured yellow and red. Catamaran, sailing, kayaking, paddlewheel bikes and jet skiing are other great activities you can do direct from Palm Cove beach.

If fishing is more your thing, the Southern end of the beach is favoured by fishermen (and families) who seek out the pipis that populate the area. The pipi shuffle is a popular sight in Palm Cove as people young and old dig their heels in and twist ‘60s style to unearth the sea creatures from the wet sand!

Fishing from the shore is also possible, but many prefer to make use of the picturesque jetty for this activity.  The sunset and sunrise views from the jetty is a must see activity all year round, and the perfect destination for you daily beach walk. Don’t forget to take a souvenir selfie.

 

See food – and eat it!

There are so many dining options to tempt on the Palm Cove Esplanade, and for many seafood is the preferred choice, given the beachfront location of many cafes, bars and restaurants.  Once the sun starts to dip down over the horizon, it’s the place to be to be for happy hour, into the night. The ambiance is second to none, with gentle ocean breezes, great cuisine, and candlelight combining for a memorable holiday dining experience. Standout restaurants include the much acclaimed Nu Nu Restaurant, al fresco dining on the deck at the Reef House or the Palm Cove Surf Club for convivial, casual dining.

 

No man is an island

After a few days unwinding in Palm Cove, often a day trip is in order for a little sun, sand, and the chance to mix with other holidaymakers or locals. Fitzroy Island is a popular option. Departing from Cairns, it’s an all-rounder destination with something for everyone. Great snorkelling, sea kayaking, hiking and a range of bars and restaurants to enjoy a meal under the sunshine and watch the world go by.

 

Pull up at The Sebel Palm Cove Coral Coast

The Sebel Palm Cove Coral Coast is a great place to base yourself while visiting Palm Cove. Accommodation options include a choice of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Facilities include an outdoor pool, tour desk, complimentary car parking for guests, floodlit tennis courts, a sauna and golf.

Address: Coral Coast Drive, Palm Cove QLD 4879

Phone: (07) 7 4059 8000

Visit: www.accorvacationclub.com.au/property/the-sebel-palm-cove-coral-coast/

 

The information in this article is not personal financial advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person.  Before making a decision to purchase or upgrade a membership in the Accor Vacation Club, you should consider the PDS dated 1 January 2017, issued by A.P.V.C. Ltd AFSL 245515 and available at www.accorvacationclub.com.au or by contacting A.P.V.C. Ltd on 1800 70 81 90. All hotel and cruise bookings are subject to availability.