DI D YOU KNOW...?
Fly allergy-free Swiss International Air Lines is leading the way for allergy sufferers to enjoy improved air travel experiences with the introduction, in May 2014, of new alternative (lactose and gluten-free) food and drinks, along with changes to the cabin interior, making SWISS the first airline in the world to meet the ECARF (European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation) criteria for ‘allergy-friendly’ airlines. The airline has also stopped in-cabin use of decorative flowers and air fresheners that can cause nose and throat irritations and now uses only hypoallergenic soaps in the bathrooms. Allergy sufferers can also order special meals tailored to their needs in all seating classes on long-haul services, and in business class within Europe, up to 24 hours before their scheduled departure. > swiss.com/ch/en/various/allergy-friendlyairline
whale watching
Have a whale of a time… Winter means whales and Captain Cook Cruises provides passengers a wonderful vantage point for seeing these majestic creatures. The whales pass Sydney on their annual winter migration north and humpbacks and southern right whales are the most regular visitors to the waters off the east coast. All cruises come with a guarantee … if no whales are spotted, passengers are offered another whale watching cruise for free. The Captain Cook Cruises catamarans offer open-air viewing and an allweather lounge. They run until mid-November and depart from Sydney’s Circular Quay every weekend at 9.30am and 1.30pm. There are weekday cruises at 1pm and extra cruises are available during the school holidays. Ticket prices are $90 for an adult, $74 for concession and $57 for a child (5-14yrs) or $239 for a family (2 adults 2 children). Book online and save up to 25%. > captaincook.com.au
Travellers give Cook Islands destinations top gongs! The Cook Islands’ two most popular islands for holidaymakers - Aitutaki and the main island, Rarotonga - are both breathtakingly beautiful and surrounded by blue waters teeming with technicoloured tropical fish. In the recent TripAdvisor 2014 Travellers’ Choice Island Awards, Aitutaki came in at #2 and Rarotonga at #5, in the Top 10 Islands in the South Pacific, with French Polynesia, Vanuatu, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia’s Norfolk Island and Kangaroo Island rounding out the list.
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Trip Advisor’s 2014 Travellers Choice Awards Top 10 Islands in the South Pacific
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1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia 2. Aitutaki, Cook Islands 3. Moorea, French Polynesia 4. Efate, Vanuatu 5. Rarotonga, Cook Islands
WINTER 2014 outandaboutwithkids.com.au
6. Waiheke Island, New Zealand 7. Norfolk Island, Australia 8. Taveuni Island, Fiji 9. Kangaroo Island, Australia 10. Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu