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.

End Of Summer Special at Metro Hotel Sydney Central - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this End Of Summer Special for $175.00 per package (maximum 2 people per package) including:

- One night accommodation in a Superior Room
- Daily Hot Buffet Breakfast for 2 adults
- $30 Food & Beverage voucher from Yardhouse Sydney
- Book this End of Summer Special at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

View Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Terms and Conditions:

- Offer is strictly subject to availability and may not be available for special event dates.
- Valid for stays between 01st February and 29th February 2012.
- Rates are not valid with any other offer.
- All other terms & conditions will be provided when making your booking
- Bookings are non-refundable.

http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/246

End Of Summer Special at Metro Hotel Sydney Central - Metro Hotels

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Sydney Confirmed as Australia's Favourite Travel Destination

Wotif.com has released its annual Top 20 Destinations for 2011, based on bookings made through the accommodation website.

Sydney retains the top spot in 2011 from the previous year, as the list has remained unchanged from 2010. All New South Wales destinations held on to their previous positions in the Top 20.

Sydney = 1
Newcastle = 13
Port Macquarie =16
Coffs Harbour = 17
Byron Bay = 18

General Manager Wotif Brands Megan Magill said the list was compiled from more than 250,000 bookings per month made on Wotif.com during 2011. ”We release this list every year and were extremely surprised to see that our top twenty remained the same in 2011 after such a challenging year for the Aussie tourism industry,” Ms Magill said.

Sydney Confirmed as Australia's Favourite Travel Destination

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.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: The 10 Best Sydney Events to Impress Your Guests Over the Summer Break

There's nothing like a Sydney summer – warm days, balmy nights, and every corner of the city seems to blossom with premier cultural events and activities. The infectious vibe starts early in December and carries through until the end of January, with festivals on most weekends.

If you're holding a conference or exhibition around this time, it's a perfect opportunity to treat your delegates to a true taste of Sydney culture, entertainment, adventure and life.

You can visit the 'Events Sydney' website for a complete rundown of this year's buzzing schedule. In the meantime, here's a list of the biggest and best events and activities on the Sydney 2011-12 summer calendar.

1. Picasso, Masterpieces, Art Gallery NSW, now until 25 March

Sydney Morning Herald art critic, John McDonald, has called this exhibition the most important show to ever hit our shores. Indeed, with record-breaking attendances, this collection of masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso in Paris has become the exhibition to view this summer.

Tip: Pre-book your tickets online to avoid the queues.

View website

2. Carols by the Tree, Darling Harbour, 24 December

A little Christmas cheer does wonders for the soul, so get into the mood this year and catch the last night of this annual event before Santa arrives in town. Sing carols with hundreds of others around the enormous sparkling Christmas tree.

Tip: Head to Chinatown afterwards for dinner where the restaurants are always open late.

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3. Christmas Day on the beach

If you or your delegates are normally accustomed to snow and eggnog at this time of year, spending a hot Christmas Day on one of Sydney's iconic beaches will make for a most memorable celebration. Swap turkey for prawns and fresh seafood, and pudding for ice-cream.

Tip: To avoid the crowds, head to a less-populated beach such as Bronte or head north over the Harbour Bridge to Whale or Bungan Beach.

4. Boxing Day on Sydney Harbour, 26 December

For many locals and visitors, it's almost mandatory to be on or around Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

A picnic on the water's edge provides the perfect backdrop to feast on Christmas Day leftovers.

Tip: Hiring a boat on the Harbour is a great way to get up close to the yachts. If that's not in the budget you can always jump on a ferry at Circular Quay to get into the spirit of things.

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5. Fireworks Celebrations, New Years Eve

At the stroke of midnight on 31 December each year, images of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are beamed across the world – showcasing the spectacular fireworks displays that illuminate the harbour. With several excellent vantage points throughout the city and harbour foreshores, you and your guests can join more than 1.5 million Sydneysiders expected this year to watch both the 9 pm and midnight visual extravaganzas.

Tip: Visit the website to enter the competition to win an exclusive, VIP New Year's Eve experience for you and 10 of your friends.

Bonus tip! Beat the crowds and download the free iphone app, which includes an interactive map with the best vantage points and important services updates to help you get around on the night.

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6. Second Test, Australia v India, Sydney Cricket Ground, 3-7 January

Watching the Australian cricket team battle itout during summer has become as ubiquitous to locals as prawns on the barbie. What better way to experience this great Aussie traditional than to watch it live at this famous inner city ground.

Tip: This is likely to be the last Australian tour for Indian great Sachin Tendulkar so don't miss your chance to see "Little Master" in action as he chases his one hundredth century in first class cricket.

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7. Sydney Festival, 7-29 January

Sydney's premier arts and cultural festival attracts some of the world's greatest musical and performing artists. Highlights include the Festival First Night, which has become the city's biggest street party and officially kicks off the event.

Tip: Don't fret if your chosen show is sold out as "Tix for Next to Nix" sells a small allotment of tickets for each day's shows for $25. Check website for details.

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8. St George Open Air Cinema, 11 January – 18 February, 2012.

Imagine watching an outdoor film premiere at Mrs Macquaries Point, on the shores of Sydney Harbour. As the sun sets over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, a massive cinema screen rises out of the water, and so the drama begins. This world-class cinema festival is usually a sell-out but a small amount of tickets are sold each night at the venue.

Tip: The show goes on regardless of rain so if the weather is looking questionable pack your poncho and be prepared to get a little wet!

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9. Australia Day Celebrations, 26 January

For many Sydneysiders, Australia Day is spent on a boat puttering around the harbour watching the annual ferry race and waiting for the evening fireworks. For others, it's a time to celebrate our Indigenous culture and reflect on our nation's past. A unique way to start the day is at Farm Cove, within the Royal Botanic Gardens, for a traditional Aboriginal Morning Ceremony.

Tip: You could also visit La Perouse in the city's south for the annual Survival Day Concert, one of the biggest Aboriginal cultural events of the year.

View Website

10. BridgeClimb, Sydney Harbour

For the absolute 'wow' factor, a BridgeClimb during a clear summer's day has become a must-do for locals and tourists alike. Choose from early morning walks or a beautiful sunset climb to capture the breadth of the city from the Pacific Ocean to the east, to the sprawling western suburbs and beyond to the Blue Mountains.

Tip: The bridge is closed 30-31 December. There are still places left for Christmas

Day, but it might be wise to climb before indulging in that big Christmas lunch.

View website

While there are amazing things to do all year round in Sydney, and we think of December and January as quiet times, summer really is a wonderful time to showcase the best of Aussie life to your event delegates and associates.

The 10 Best Sydney Events to Impress Your Guests Over the Summer Break

The Christmas Confessional - Are Aussies the Ultimate Grinch?

According to a recent survey held by online travel agent ZUJI Australia, Australians prefer sun over snow, family over friends and bad B.O. over crying kids as they travel over this year's Christmas season.

More than 2000 travellers participated in ZUJI's Christmas Confessional, which asked respondents a range of questions about their holiday travel plans.

Managing Director of ZUJI Australia James Gaskell, says the survey revealed Australians are typically family-minded and understanding when it comes to travelling over Christmas, but the Grinch may still lurk nearby.

More than 75% of Australians will be catching up with family members over the next few weeks, with some 40% planning to travel interstate or even internationally just to be close to their loved ones.

The survey, however, shows that even though Australians enjoy visiting family, they still like their personal space.

"Whereas some 70% of survey respondents stated that they'd travel around the world just to be with their family over the holidays, a similar number said they would prefer to book a hotel room rather than shack up with the rellies during their visit," says Gaskell.

The survey also revealed that two thirds of Aussies would rather forgo a white Christmas altogether, instead rating their ideal Christmas holiday destination as somewhere with sun and sand. And when it comes to hotels, around a third of the respondents said they valued their peace and quiet so much that they would splash out on a child-free resort.

"Travelling during the silly season means plenty of packed out flights. Interestingly, when it came to flight horrors, Australians selected neglectful parents and their wailing children as their number one nightmare, over travellers who had neglected to shower," says Gaskell.

Popular ways of dealing with these nightmare travel neighbours included giving 'the look' or simply making the cabin crew deal with it. But rather than make a scene, the great majority of Australians would rather simply grin and bear it.

(Source: Travmedia.com)