Avoid Jet Lag With These 5 Tips

Frequent travelers know the bane of jet lag.

They probably also know a bunch of tips for avoiding it. But for everyone else -- folks who end up taking just one or two business trips a year, for example -- might benefit from knowing great ways to beat The Lag.

Recently, Secrets from the Yumiverse rounded up nine useful tips and packed them into an infographic. Here are the best of the best -- read the original article for all nine. Adjust your sleep cycle. For at least a few days before your trip, adjust your sleep hours. If you're headed west, wake up and go to bed one hour later.

If you're going east, make it one hour earlier. Eat right. On the day of the flight, eat a light and healthy meal. Most importantly, be well hydrated by drinking a lot of water. Live the new time zone.

On the day of the flight, set your watch to the destination's time zone and try to start acting accordingly right away -- don't wait for the plane to land at the final destination. Equip yourself for sleep. If you need to sleep on the plane to adjust to the new cycle, bring a sleep mask, ear plugs, and pillow. Alternately, if you need to stay awake, get up and walk around the cabin as much as you can.

You can also eat a lot of protein (like nuts). Stay outdoors to stay awake. If you arrive at your destination in daylight but your body craves sleep, stay outdoors and get as much sunlight as you can. This will help you stay awake until evening when you can go to sleep and get on the right cycle.

No word on whether taking off your shoes and "making fists with your toes" -- Bruce Willis's advice from "Die Hard" -- actually works.

Holiday-Hoarding Workers Urged to Hit the Road

With Australians accruing more than 118 million days of annual leave, holiday-hoarding workers are being urged to hit the road to rejuvenate their lives and Queensland’s touring holiday industry.

According to research, one in four Australian full-time workers have more than 25 days leave.

Caravanning Queensland CEO Ron Chapman said Queenslanders needed to do themselves and the local tourism industry a favour by discovering their backyard.

“People come from across the world to see Queensland’s beaches, outback and rainforests. Queenslanders need to take some well-earnt time out to discover the state’s treasures for themselves,” he said.

“Queensland’s caravan and tourist parks have bounced back from the start of last year and invested heavily in new facilities which improve the visitor experience.   Forget what you thought you knew about touring holidays – these days there is something for the budget camper through to the deluxe motorhome devotee.

“Whether you’re a solo traveller, couple or large family, a growing number of Queenslanders are discovering the freedom, flexibility and affordably of local holidays.

“There is a reason why Queensland is the destination of choice for road travellers across the country during autumn and winter, when there is perfect weather for perfect escapes.” 

Today, there are about 400,000 caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers registered in Australia, making it one of the world’s most caravan-friendly countries. There are 112,000 registered in Queensland alone.

Travel enthusiasts are expected to roll into Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds in their tens of thousands when one of Australia’s largest caravan exhibitions, the Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show, sets up camp between 6 and 12 June 2012.

Domestic Holidays Pick Up Over Summer

Domestic travel is likely to pick up this year despite the strong Australian dollar, with two in three Aussies planning a local trip over summer.

According to research compiled by a leading travel and lifestyle web site, the appeal of a cheaper international trip is fading with up to 68 percent of respondents planning a holiday around Australia sometime within December, January or February.

Booking data also saw a “significant” surge on summer trips to Sydney, Perth and Adelaide compared to the same period last year.

“The relatively late arrival of hot weather across much of the country has no doubt played its part in inspiring people to make the most of the warmer weather and feel more confident about booking a trip,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

“It’s also quite possible that after the stress of the lead-up to Christmas – and spending time with the in-laws, people are re-thinking their need for a holiday!”

Fast approaching Australia Day is also sparking more Aussie travel, with data revealing that bookings for the period between 26 to 28 January up 251 percent on last year.

Popular destinations for the public holiday include Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

7 Tips to Remember When Staying in a Hotel for the Holidays

The holidays are over, well nearly, we've still got 2012 to ring in but already we've got a post-mortem of the 2011 holiday season from our favorite concierge, @ConciergeCorner.

1. On Shipping gifts: I will be happy to map out, recommend and even drive you to purchase gifts, but shipping and tipping, that’s on you.

2. Keep complaints to a minimum: You are visiting family but I’m away from mine, at work. Have a heart and don’t complain about the low floor of your third party booked room, thanks.

3. Restaurant reservations on Christmas Eve are tough: It’s Christmas Eve and for some reason you are under the impression that you are getting a table at the popular family owned Italian eatery. Sorry, not happening. Mr. Lucco is with his family but I’m sure Red Dragon Asian eatery has availability.

4. Same with tourist attractions: Sadly our most popular tourist attractions are closed but I can get you to the Kremlin, Dubai and Mumbai via Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, now playing.

5. Be specific about gift requests: To come to me saying you want the “it gift” is useless. Maybe I think the “it gift” is Pogs? Say what you want, mean what you say and you’re bound to have a better stay.

6. Yes, tipping is still appreciated: With hundred dollar designer shades on and hands full of shopping bags, I really don’t care to hear how you have no money to tip me cause it’s the holidays.

7. Management won't get off easy: Lucky number 7 goes out to all my senior management out there in “This has been a down year" land. Stop playing the victim and throw me a few bucks, as I know you can.

Aussies Snub Airfare War and Stronger Dollar to Spend Christmas at Home

- Up to 100% occupancies for many east coast summer holiday destinations

- 20% increase in revenues for holiday home owners over the last six months

Despite the strength of the Australian dollar and the proliferation of cheap overseas airfares, many of Australia's favourite summer holiday hot spots are reporting up to 100% occupancy rates for the Christmas 2011 holidays, according to leading real estate group Raine & Horne.

"It's pleasing to see that more Australians are ignoring cheaper airfares and a strong Aussie dollar for the tradition and relative safety of a summer holiday in Australia," said Angus Raine, CEO, Raine & Horne.

"It's also good for the Australian economy to see more of our travel dollars staying at home to support the Australian economy."

In Yamba, on the NSW north coast, the height of the summer holiday rush is expected in the first week of 2012, says Denise Jillett, Principal of Raine & Horne Yamba.

"We have 100% occupancy on our holiday homes between New Year's Eve and the end of the first week in January," said Ms Jillett, who added that there were still some vacancies between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

"These vacancies came about as a result of cancellations, so holiday makers considering Yamba need to be quick.

"Modern two bedroom apartments close to the beach are available from $1,600 for the week plus booking fee," added Ms Jillett

The holiday market on NSW's Central Coast is also booming with increasingly more Sydney-siders choosing the region for weekend getaways and longer vacations, according to Brett Hunter, Principal of Raine & Horne Terrigal-Avoca Beach.

"We have secured a 20% increase in revenue for our owners over the last six months, and this proves the strength of the Central Coast holiday market," said Mr Hunter.

Indeed, Mr Hunter says Raine & Horne Terrigal-Avoca Beach has achieved this result by altering its approach to holiday lettings with a busy Christmas period looming.

"The Central Coast usually has a bumper crop of holidaymakers at Christmas time, with 100% occupancy of holiday properties during the two-week Christmas / New Year period.

"Knowing we can't improve on a 100% result, instead we have focused on helping people extend their vacations before and after the Christmas period, as well as assisting them with shorter stays of perhaps three or four days on multiple occasions," said Mr Hunter.

Mr Hunter says two bedroom holiday units in Terrigal, in walking distance to the beach, rent for $1,000 a week over the holiday period, while at the other end of the market, four and five bedroom homes with pools and landscaped gardens can rent for up to $15,000 a week.

In Sydney's Palm Beach, this summer is shaping up as the busiest holiday period in five years, according to Rebecca Lee, General Manager of Raine & Horne Palm Beach.

"At present, we have 80% occupancy for our holiday homes in Palm Beach, with 90% of these properties renting to ex-pat clients based in Hong Kong, Singapore, the U.S. and Europe," said Ms Lee.

Comfortable beach houses in Palm Beach start at $7,000 a week, while high-flyers seeking a luxury escape can pay up to $40,000 a week for premier properties across from the beach, some of which include personal staff.

In Queensland, the Gold Coast holiday market is picking up again after a tough year, says Clark Brackenridge, Principal of Raine & Horne Surfers Paradise.

"Our property markets are showing signs of turning the corner, and as it stands, our holiday bookings for the Christmas period are reasonably strong, and are certainly well up on this time last year," said Mr Brackenridge.

"In addition, buyers are beginning to recognise that property prices on the Gold Coast represent good buying, with good yields available to investors."

Mr Brackenridge says two bedroom, two bathroom apartments overlooking the beach can be purchased for $400,000, and rent for $250 a night as a holiday rental, or for between $500 and $550 a week to long-term tenants.

In Far North Queensland, Port Douglas is also maintaining a steady stream of holiday bookings, says David Cotton, Principal of Raine & Horne Port Douglas / Mossman.

"To date, our holiday bookings have been on a par with 2010, if not higher, and we currently have between 60% and 70% occupancy for Christmas," said Mr Cotton.

Raine & Horne is an iconic Australian property firm, with more than 370 offices worldwide. Also an established Superbrand along with the likes of Qantas, Vegemite, Woolworths and Myer, the company has four distinct property service brands including Raine & Horne Residential, Raine & Horne Commercial, Raine & Horne Financial Services and Raine & Horne Rural.

(Source: Travemedia.com)

The Changing Shape of the ‘Family Holiday’

Work and family commitments are being blamed for only a fifth of Queenslanders taking holidays once a year for less than one week.

Despite this figure, Tourism Research Australia reports the number of Australians taking more day and overnight trips was on the increase.

According to Moreton Island Adventures chief executive Roz Shaw there has been a big increase in time-poor Queenslanders coming for short weekend breaks over the last few years.

“There is no doubt that the traditional family holiday is changing shape, but what still remains is that 91 per cent of people recently surveyed still prefer the beach holiday whether it be for an overnighter, a long weekend, or if they are lucky the week,” Mr Shaw said.

“We have some of the world’s very best beaches at our door step and with this increase in weekend visitations, Moreton Island is certainly experiencing the positive effects of the short term holiday market.

Also supporting the local tourism push, Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy said the new ‘There’s nothing like Australia campaign’ aims to encourage Australians to take a fresh look at the best local holiday experiences.

Tell the Nation Why There's Nothing Like Australia and Win!

Tourism Australia is inviting the nation to tell their fellow Aussies why There's nothing like Australia for a chance to win an amazing holiday.

To enter, simply upload your favourite Australian place or experience to nothinglikeaustralia.com.au and in 25 words or less explain why there's nothing like Australia.

Entrants could win one of 16 Australian holidays to the most inspiring and creative holiday entry, as voted by a judging panel made up of representatives from Tourism Australia, Qantas and Luxury Lodges of Australia. In addition you can enter a 'dream team' and bring up to five people with you to share in the amazing holiday experience.

The promotion runs until October 31, 2011.

Tourism Australia Launches Domestic Campaign

Tourism Australia launches domestic campaign

Tourism Australia is inviting the nation to tell their fellow Aussies why There's nothing like Australia for a chance to win an amazing holiday. To enter, simply upload your favorite Australian place or experience to nothinglikeaustralia.com.au and in 25 words or less explain why there's nothing like Australia.

16 Australian holidays are up for grabs for the most inspiring and creative entries, as voted by a judging panel made up of representatives from Tourism Australia, Qantas and Luxury Lodges of Australia.

In addition you can enter a 'dream team' and bring up to five people with you to share in the amazing holiday experience. The promotion runs until October 31, 2011. Visit the website for more information.

Tourism Australia Woos Aussies

The domestic market will be the main focus of the next phase of Tourism Australia’s There’s nothing like Australia campaign,

unveiled today, as the tourism body tries to convince Australians to holiday at home.

Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson, speaking at the launch in Sydney, said that these were “testing times” and cited the strong dollar, greater competition from overseas and natural disasters as industry challenges that were seeing people holiday elsewhere.

But he referred to this week's National Visitor Survey, which revealed an increase in domestic numbers, as a positive sign and stressed there was potential to improve further.

“Yes, the dollar is strong, but we must never forget that those with money to travel overseas, have the money to travel in Australia,” Ferguson said.

The campaign, kicking off this weekend, will invite Australians to upload their favourite homegrown experience on website www.nothinglikeaustralia.com.au and nominate a "dream team" of five people that they would like to share the experience with.

Participants will be eligible to win one of 16 holidays, worth a total $300,000.

“80% of Australians think they can sell Australia better than us, so we’ve embraced that,” Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy said at the launch. “It’s a rallying cry for Australians to tell each other why Australia is so good.”

The tourism body has invested $2.5 million in the digitally led campaign.

“In Australia alone, 46% of consumers visit travel sites on a monthly basis which is why we are embarking on such a big push online,” McEvoy said.

(Source: Travel Weekly, September, 2011)

Time for Australians to Start Making Tracks by Taking an Australian Holiday

Australians are being urged to take inspiration from the musical journeys of eight talented young musicians and to start Making Tracks by taking an Australian holiday.

In the lead up to this weekend's YouTube Symphony Orchestra 2011 performance at the Sydney Opera House, four of the orchestra members who each partnered with a contemporary Australian musician, have been on their own musical journeys to different parts of the country.

Their journeys have been captured in four videos called Making Tracks, and are backed by the original compositions created during their trips, to inspire Australians and others to get out and explore Australia.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy said Australians now have the opportunity to follow in their footsteps and immerse themselves in the range of Australian holiday experiences on offer.

"It is easy to take for granted all the things about Australia that inspire visitors to holiday here but Aussies too can reap the benefits of taking a holiday in their own backyard," McEvoy said.

"Through Making Tracks we get to see how these eight incredible musicians were transformed by the landscapes and experiences during their time in Australia.

"Now we want Australians to be Making Tracks of their own - whether it's taking a trip to experience our country's iconic destinations or getting off the beaten track," he said.

Andrew McEvoy said Australia continues to be the most popular holiday destination for domestic travellers, with Australians taking more than 67 million overnight trips in 2010.

To get some inspiration for planning their next domestic holiday, Tourism Australia is urging Australians to log on to view the Making Tracks videos at www.australia.com/makingtracks
and for 29,000 reasons why There's nothing like Australia for a holiday visit www.nothinglikeaustralia.com.

(Source: travemedia.com March 2011)

Getaway Package at Dugong Beach Resort @ Dugong Beach Resort - Metro Hotels

Getaway Package at Dugong Beach Resort @ Dugong Beach Resort - Metro Hotels

No leave, No life Metro Hotels Accommodation Packages

Metro Hotels would like to invite you to take leave and book one of the following No leave, no life packages:

Metro Hotel Sydney Central ‘Pay 2, Stay 3’: $195 per night,
including free breakfast on the first morning.

Metro Hotel on Pitt Sydney ‘Pay 2, Stay 3’ Deal: $210 per night, including free breakfast on the first morning.

Aspire Hotel Sydney ‘Pay 2, Stay 3’ Deal: $195 per
night, including free breakfast on the first morning.

No Leave, No Life - Action getaway to Ipswich

No Leave – No Life

One in four full-time Australian employees have 25 or more days of annual leave accrued.

Isn’t it about time you took an Aussie holiday?

Let us help you plan that short break away. Take advantage of these No Leave No Life specials!

High Adrenalin ... Feel the Rush

Ipswich is not just the little country town west of Brisbane anymore. Ipswich is a great
place to visit and a wonderful place to live. Just 40 minutes west of Brisbane and an
hour from the Gold Coast, Ipswich combines rich heritage with the energy of being
the hub of today's growth region in South East Queensland.
Ipswich has a huge range of family attractions but, hey, you don’t want to look at old
houses, you want some action.
If you are looking for a unique experience there are a number of attractions that will
satisfy your need to push the envelope. In the past you could choose any one of these
great experiences but now you can do the lot.
In one day you can:‐
 take a ride in an Air Boat,
 dog fight in a WWII Aircraft,
 drive a V8 supercar,
 jump out of an Airplane,
 play commando at the Paintball fields
 Helicopter wine tour
 Enjoy the magic & adventure of a hot air balloon flight
 For the girls – photography package includes hair, makeup, photo sitting ,
print & corset

At the end of the day you’ll want to rest your weary bones at the Metro Hotel Ipswich
International

All packages include 1 nights’ accommodation & continental breakfast

Prices Start from $ 100.00 per person

So if you want to push the envelope, do it in Ipswich. All you do is park your car and we look after the rest.

View Metro Hotel Ipswich International

View Metro Hotel Ipswich International Specials