8 minute read
Christmas holiday ideas
hello holidays!
If you haven’t planned yet for this summer’s holidays, fear not! There are still options.
Are you stuck for Christmas holiday ideas? Bored with the same old, same old? Looking for the right trip that will deliver joy and happiness to all? To help you a little, here are some suggestions for breaks short and long.
CLOSE TO HOME perfect for everyone
There’s a lot to be said for holidaying in our own beautiful, wide brown land. Australia, from top to bottom, has something for everyone. Traditionally, Qantas and Virgin release great fares on Christmas Eve or Boxing Day to fill all those unsold seats. Perfect for a last-minute getaway, city breaks are particularly good – luxe hotels at less than luxe prices because business people aren’t travelling.
Darwin and surrounds may be hot as Hades, and it will pour every day. But if you love waterfalls, it’s a magic time to visit Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Prices are low and you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck.
Or nip over to Far North Queensland. Here too it’s tropical, but it seldom rains all day and you’ll find a wide choice of resorts with gorgeous pools beckoning you to laze away the day. If you can travel after the Christmas and New Year rush, you’ll find the choice wider and the prices more favourable. I’ve enjoyed many a perfect January family holiday here.
Noosa and the Gold Coast are perennial favourites. They’re within easy reach, so you can even drive and save your precious dollars for some special meals out or days at a theme park or two. Or why not consider heading south to the wonderful Mornington Peninsula? The weather may not be quite so reliably warm, but there’s a lot to do and explore, wonderful walks and bike rides, wine tasting, gentle child friendly beaches – and it’s not going to cost a fortune.
New Zealand is definitely close to home and while not exotic, offers a credible summer option. Alas Kiwis heading home to see the family have usually planned well in advance, so last-minute fares can be exy all through December and January. Fly, pick up a car and enjoy a driving holiday that will have you enthralled, particularly through the South Island.
Speaking of islands, our Queensland islands, Fiji, Samoa and the Cooks are not great for last minute getaways. Cyclone damage has reduced inventory and prices are high, so save these destinations for a forward planned holiday to make the most of your money.
THE YOUNG COUPLE IN LOVE
Think anywhere there’s a beach, beautiful sunsets, delicious cocktails and a whiff of the exotic. Mauritius and the Maldives rate highly, but what about Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka fulfils the need for exotic and adventurous, you can be as active or as bone idle as you want, but every day will excite you. Or why not test the relationship with a snow trek through the wilds of Hokkaido, Japan - or Bhutan? Both very out there with serious bragging rights.
SINGLE AND TRAVELLING SOLO
Travelling alone can be lonely, not to mention expensive, and this is where a bit of planning helps. Special, no single supplement or reduced single supplement tours and cruises are a godsend and will usually attract other singles so that you’ve plenty of company. Think European Christmas market river cruises, or closer to home there’s the especially designed Bill Peach journeys or last-minute specials onboard Holland America cruises designed for older clientele.
If you’re young and carefree, why not join in the fun of a group tour, where there’s oodles of choices at home and abroad for the under 35s.
FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
What worked for me when my children were young was finding one place with everything - be it an apartment or resort, but always near a beach or pool (and golf course for hubby).
When the children got older, we took them on a cruise around NZ, a holiday they swear was one of their best. And this was before ships with ice-skating rinks and water slides and drinks packages - their highlight was unlimited ice-cream and a fun kids club! Cruising has moved on since then and there are now fabulous options that appeal to both Mum and Dad, and the kids, and even the grandparents looking to see more of their offspring. Availability is a bit patchy but call us for help. Looking for fantasy? There’s nowhere better than a
Disney resort (or cruise). Nor is it too late to visit Father Christmas in Lapland...
FAMILIES WITH OLDER CHILDREN
Here’s a chance to really expand the horizons. My all time favourite is Japan. Cost effective – you can eat really well for not too much in Japan, even with teenage boys. Safe and endlessly fascinating, it is in a similar time zone, and you can combine skiing, snow monkeys and culture which makes for a terrific trip.
Ditto India. Every moment is a “wow/ look at that/quick or you’ll miss it” occasion. It’s more challenging than Japan for sure, but equally as interesting.
THE ACTIVE SENIORS
Antarctica just has to be on your bucket list, and what a plethora of choices there are. At your stage in life, why not enjoy a little luxury and see it in style while you are still fit enough to manage the zodiacs and before any health conditions preclude your travelling to such remote and intrinsically risky destinations.
Similarly, South America and the Galapagos Islands – or Africa. Again, these are fantastic destinations which will reward your interest in wildlife, and life itself. Don’t leave yourself without time to experience their delights, at all budget levels.
Money no object? Then it has to be an all inclusive, all exclusive air cruise - the perfect jetsetter option.
GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN ....
Anywhere where the food and wine is good, the shopping excels, you can catch a show or two and maybe, just maybe, there’s the chance to check in with the opposite sex! If you’re after sophistication, then New York doesn’t fail to disappoint, and even Vegas can cut it. Consider too a cruise on an adult oriented ship – choose all inclusive and all you need to do is relax, enjoy and party.
MAKE MINE A CULTURAL OR SPORTY TRIP
Fancy attending a New Year’s Eve Black Tie Gala Ball? Then look no further than Vienna, a perennial favourite.
Or are you a culture vulture? Then look to visit any of the northern European or American cities which are always showcasing major exhibitions – Paris, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, New York, Chicago and more. If golf is your penchant, Mexico is fabulous; while skiers will celebrate on the slopes in Japan, Europe or the USA.
I get very excited by summer holidays. More than any other time of the year, there’s a sense of anticipation, of wanting to do something to actively enjoy time with family and friends.
If we can help you, please stop by either of our two stores for some great ideas and personal assistance.
My team and I wish you a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and a lovely summer break wherever you may travel. We thank you for your support in 2017 and look forward to being of service in 2018.
TRAVEL Adrienne Witteman, Managing Director, Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre.
AUCTION FOR SALE
Set amongst meticulously presented landscaping, this uber contemporary three bedroom apartment is just metres to Lane Cove shops, cafes, restaurants and express city buses.
Paul Nees 0432 995 847 Greg Nazarian 0402 551 213 46 Elizabeth Parade, Lane Cove 5 Bed 3 Bath 2 Car
Enjoying a premier setting overlooking the lush expanse of Batten Reserve, this immaculate residence has been superbly crafted to offer the finest in modern family living.
Samia Malouf 0419 277 660 Paul Nees 0432 995 847
AUCTION 9/12/17 at 10.30am on site
1 Aston St, Hunters Hill 4 bed 3 bath 2 car Open: Sat 10-10.30am, Thurs 5.45-6.15pm
• Contemporary home, close to shopping, buses & schools • Glass bi-folds open to north facing garden, pool & cabana • Modern gas kitchen, high ceilings and ducted a/c
Simon Harrison 0433 100 150 George Gialouris 0411 706 306 28 Carranya Road, Riverview 2 bed 1.5 bath 1 car Open: Sat & Wed 2-2.30pm AUCTION 9/12/17 at 9.45am on site
• Spacious established gardens, perfect for the family • Large separate kitchen with new cupboards and built-in oven • Single lock up garage with workshop or secure storage space
belle property hunters hill 3/52-56 gladesville road, hunters hill 9817 7729 belle property lane cove 158 longueville road, lane cove 9087 3333
FOR LEASE
65A Carlotta Street, Greenwich Studio 1 bath 1 car $460pw Available Jan 2018
Charming furnished studio apartment in a quiet suburban neighbourhood. The decor is appealing and the apartment is clean, fresh and bathed in sunlight.
Diane Shipley and Liz Chuck 9966 0543 4 Wallace Street Greenwich 4 bed 2 bath 1 car $1,425 pw Available Jan 2018
FOR LEASE
Family home with city skyline views. This lovely home has been stylishly renovated, with a near new kitchen and bathroom. Large enclosed backyard – ideal for children and pets.
