Month: August 2018

Sydney Harbour Bridge

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried these 3 experiences in Australia

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Australia is a truly vast country. In fact, with an area of just over 7.6 million square kilometres, it’s almost the same size as the continental United States. It’s also blessed with a diversity of spectacular landscapes, natural and man-made, which give life to some remarkable experiences.

Take the Uluru Base Walk

No list of must do experiences in Australia would be complete without mention of Uluru, or Ayers Rock, a huge sandstone monolith that rises to a height of 1,142 feet above the surrounding desert plain in the southwestern Northern Territory. Uluru has long been revered by the local Aboriginal people, known as the Anangu. Climbing to the top isn’t strictly illegal, but is forbidden by traditional law, so a better option is to take a guided walk around the circumference, which is approximately 10.6 kms. Uluru at sunset is particularly memorable, when the sandstone glows an intense scarlet red.

Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Likewise, any list of amazing experiences in Australia must include a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland. The Great Barrier Reef stretches from Cape York in the north and Lady Elliott Island in the south, covering over 348,000 km2 making it the largest coral reef system in the world. The Great Barrier is also one of the most abundant, diverse and colourful ecosystems on the planet, supporting 400 species of coral, over 1,500 species of fish, including a variety of sharks, and over 30 species of marine mammal, including bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales. Whether you swim, snorkel or dive, the mesmeric beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is definitely one of the must do experiences in Australia.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last, but definitely not least, in our brief guide to amazing experiences in Australia comes the celebrated symbol of the ‘Land Down Under’, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Originally opened in 1932 and affectionately known as the ‘Coathanger’, it is the world’s tallest steel arch bridge measuring 134 metres from its top point down to sea level of one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. If you want to challenge your fear of heights, or simply set your pulse racing, climbing the bridge is an adventure in itself, but also offers panoramic 360º views over Sydney Harbour including, of course, Sydney Opera House, when you arrive at the top. You can climb Sydney Harbour Bridge during the day, at dusk or after the sun has set; we recommend the latter, when the Sydney skyline sparkles and creates a glittering reflection in the waters of the harbour.

If you are interested in enjoying great Australian travel destinations as part of a timeshare membership, visit Accor Vacation Club. If you are already a Member, visit Accor Vacation Club Travel for even more great travel and holiday ideas around Australia and beyond.

 

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.

Senior women enjoying and laughing

Places to visit on a New Zealand holiday

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Planning a first trip to New Zealand is never an easy task, unless you have all the time in the world, and the money to enjoy it. There is just so much to take in! For the rest of us on limited time and budget, where do we start; the North Island, or South Island? If you’re a member of Accor Vacation Club, and planning a vacation to New Zealand, things get a whole lot easier. With a selection of quality, thoughtfully selected accommodation options to choose from on both islands, its best to rely on popular culture to make the choice for you as opposed to hotels – and in that case the Hobbits of the North have it sorted!

Hobbiton Village

In the centre of North Island’s farming country, Hobbiton Village sits on the edge of Matamata, and was used to make the Hobbit films and Lord of the Rings movie. When booking your Hobbit tour, look at booking the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves tour as well. It is close by, and the kids will be fascinated by their little glow-in-the-dark friends.

Auckland

You may well have landed at Auckland Airport, but the city is worth more than just a cursory glance as you head toward your destination. Opportunities abound for unique photographs of dormant volcanoes, bubbling mud pools, cascading waterfalls, and surfers riding the rolling breakers on the local beaches. As the children tire, head into the centre, and round the day off at Auckland’s famous Sky City and its many attractions.

Wellington

Before heading to the South Island, take a few hours out. If time allows take a whole day, and explore the sights and culture of New Zealand’s capital city. Visit the National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa. Walk or ride to the top of Mount Victoria for the most fantastic views. Jump on the Wellington Cable Car, or go back in time at Zealandia. All before you board the ferry for your three hour trip across the Cook Strait to Picton, at the top of South Island.

Marlborough Sound

Close to Picton, Marlborough Sound covers over 90 miles of New Zealand coastline. You could spend all the second half of your vacation, walking and cycling the coastline, visiting the nature reserves, and cruising the sunken valleys of this stunning part of New Zealand. If time is of the essence, book a three hour boat trip, to get a real feel of what this area has to offer.

Christchurch

For a laid-back, family day out, Christchurch ticks all the boxes. Enjoy a boat trip, or try your hand at punting on the River Avon. Stroll in the sunshine around the beautiful botanic gardens, or, if the kids are being a little restless, take them over to the International Antarctic Centre, to find out what it’s like to get caught up in an arctic storm.

From Puka Park to Wellington, Queenstown and Wanaka (and beyond!), as an Accor Vacation Club member, the fabulous facilities at each Club property, or Accor Hotels Select accommodation partner, will prove difficult to leave. Nonetheless, to find out why New Zealanders are in the top ten of the world’s happiest people, you need to get out and about, and find out what really makes your average Kiwi tick.

 

 

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.

Accor Vacation Club travel tips for long flights

Long Flight Survival Tips for Families

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Going on a family trip, especially with very young children, can be stressful and costly. While becoming a member of Accor Vacation Club is a great way to minimise drama on the ground with great apartment accommodation serving up space and amenities perfect for those with kids, the fact is you may still be left with the stress of air travel to get to your destination. Sorry!

But there are some travel tips that you can employ to make even very long journeys with children easier on everyone concerned.

 

Other People.

First of all, think about other people, as counter-intuitive as this might seem. If other people get upset with your children, this can lead you to become anxious – and children pick up when their parents are upset and this can lead them to behave poorly. To avoid this vicious circle, take stock of the people around you and speak to them, letting them know that you want their journey (and yours) to be peaceful and that you are going to work on achieving that. People will often be understanding if you give them the chance.

To this end, be prepared for the whole time of the flight or voyage (trains and buses offer the same cramped conditions as planes, with almost the same restrictions on easy movement), and make allowances for delays too. Bring toys and games – many can be found in travel versions so pieces do not get lost and pieces will stay in place during play. Bring along pens and paper too, most children love to draw, and the pen and paper can be used for other games if necessary.

 

Make sure that you prioritise your children during the journey.

If you are driving, make time for plenty of stops along the way for toilet breaks and leg stretches, and if you are confined to public transport, make sure the children move around a little (subject to the rules and directions of the carrier) – it is not healthy for anyone to sit still for hours on end. Let the children know what is happening, and tell them some of the exciting things that they will be doing during their Accor Vacation Club holiday.

 

Take a Change of Clothes.

Travelling is a sticky, sweaty business, and sitting in sticky, sweaty clothing is not comfortable for anyone. Change the children’s clothes when needed, and carry plenty of wet wipes so you can all arrive cool and clean, in good condition and ready to go. Any family trip can be enhanced by simply taking a breather, acknowledging discomforts and dealing with them as best you can, rather than ignoring wails and protests to ‘push through’ and get there!

Food & Drink.

Even if the flight or journey offers food, make sure that you take some of the children’s favourite foods so they will have something to eat that they know and like – and that will not upset their tummies. Make sure that you read up on restrictions on the transport of food and drink, especially for those visiting different countries, but also sometimes across state lines. Air flights are more likely to have restrictions on some products, so do make sure that you check – there is nothing more devastating than preparing plenty of food and drink for the family, only to have to throw it all away, and rebuy those exact products once through the security checks.

Also one of the more important travel tips when it comes to air travel with youngsters, do not forget something for the children to suck on or chew while the flight is climbing or descending. The sudden change in air pressure can make our ears pop, but can be very painful for young children and babies, those whose ears are more sensitive than adults’.

These travel tips should help your family trip be one that is remembered fondly, with smiles, rather than with a shudder of horror!

 

 

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.

How Accor Vacation Club points work

How Accor Vacation Club points work

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Accor Vacation Club was Australia’s first hotel branded holiday ownership club and commenced operations in 2000. The Club has over 28,500 Member families who enjoy holidays at the Club’s 24 Club Properties.

The Club’s operator is part of the AccorHotels group, the largest hotel group in the Asia Pacific region with operations in no fewer than 17 countries.

Thanks to this international prominence, Accor Vacation Club is pleased to be able to reward its Members with a number of unique privileges. These valued members can transfer what are known as Première Club points towards a host of additional services, each implemented to help heighten your overall travel experience. Let us take a quick look at how Accor Vacation Club Points work as well as why they can prove to be so beneficial for your future travel needs.

 

Première Plus Benefits

Première points are the currency that Members use to book accommodation at Accor Vacation Club’s range of properties. However, they can also be used to leverage a wide array of other benefits, negotiated especially for Première Plus Members.

There are a handful of ways in which Accor Vacation Club Première Points can be redeemed to secure a multitude of travel and lifestyle options.

 

These include:

  • Accor Hotels Select, Accor Hotels Asia and Accor Hotels Select Elite programs
  • Accor Vacation Club Travel
  • Interval International

 

Accor Hotels Select, Select Asia and Select Elite enables all Première Plus Members to utilise their Première Points when making reservations at selected AccorHotels hotels and resorts, that are normally not included within Accor Vacation Club’s core portfolio of 24 Club properties portfolio. This offers a greater sense of flexibility and convenience for Première Plus Members seeking destinations beyond the core network.

Alternatively, Première Points may be converted into Discovery Dollars as part of the Accor Vacation Club Travel program. This program is extensive and extends to touring, accommodations and even cruise holidays.  After they are converted into Discovery Dollars, Première Points can be used towards a world of other travel and lifestyle experiences that are available – including discounted golfing for example, flights, or even to shop for wine online.

Accor Vacation Club’s alliance with Interval International enables existing Première Plus members who chose after their first year of membership to continue their membership with Interval to use these points towards an additional 3,000 properties found within over 80 countries. If you consider yourself a global traveller, this option will certainly come in handy.

The World of Travel at Your Fingertips

Accor Vacation Club firmly believes in the principle of rewarding loyal Première Plus members and the programs described above will certainly help to accentuate any current holiday package. Would you like to learn more about how Première Points can be leveraged? If so, feel free to contact a representative. We will be pleased to address any additional questions.

 

 

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 19 April 2018, 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.

The Sebel Pinnacle Valley

The Best Places to Visit in Australia during Winter?

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Australian winters deliver plenty of snow and balmy, temperate oceans still warm enough for a swim. The continent redefines the meaning of cold, bringing mild days that completely evade the 40 degree heat of December. No wonder so many travellers prefer to get out and take a trip in the milder months. Winter clears away the crowds, too, letting you enjoy a peaceful break without the queues.

Places to Go in Australia during Winter

Australia celebrates its heritage and culture during the winter, bringing vibrant festivals and dynamic music to the fore. May comes with free light shows and art installations to the tunes of local musicians. There’s a winter film festival for cinephiles and a beer can regatta in July. Australia takes its rugby and AFL seriously, so winter is also best for immersing yourself in two of the nation’s favourite sporting competitions. You’ll even be able to pack a little skiing into your schedule. Thredbo has long runs if you prefer speed, and The Bluff is challenging enough for experienced skiers. Mt Buller is one of the country’s prettiest natural areas and offers the best winter family holidays Australia has to offer.

Whale Watching and Water Sports

Whales migrate towards Australia in the winter, so you’ll begin to see them arriving in May and June. Byron Bay and Hervey Bay are the most beautiful spots for whale watching, and while you’re there, shark cage diving will let you get a close view of the local great white and tiger sharks. The New South Wales Open State Titles begin in May, and there are several other surfing contests to check out during the winter. They bring a festive ambience to the coast even if you’re not a surfing enthusiast.

Outback Tours

The Outback is a little too hot for summer, but from May to July, you can take comfortable drives through the desert. Ayers Rock has a surreal atmosphere, and Uluru park has a cultural centre where you can view art exhibits and fetch a visitor’s guide. The hike around Uluru’s base is an unchallenging 10.6 km, but birders shouldn’t miss the Mutitjulu Waterhole, which has a mystical waterfall close to the car park.

Ben Lomond National Park is one of nature enthusiasts’ favourite places to go in Australia in winter. The snow turns the peaks into a wonderland perfect for bushwalking and climbing. Of course, no trip to Australia is complete without a visit to Tropical North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Rainfall is rare, making this a safe time to dive and snorkel.

The Kimberley region’s landscape gives four-wheel drive adventurers some exciting trails along Gibb River Road. This route is also a gastronome’s heaven, with vineyards and restaurants at Margaret River.

The Australian climate is forgiving, and many of its most important events occur in the middle of the year. With less travellers traditionally around, there are lots of discounts to be had too on popular tourist activities and the dining scene, if you shop around. Whether you’re an adventurer, a sportsperson, or a culture enthusiast, check out your own backyard and some Australian travel to keep you entertained!

For more information about the benefits of a exploring Australia as part of a timeshare membership, visit Accor Vacation Club Holidays.

 

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.