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Volume 2, Issue 2, January 8, 2009 |
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It's easy to come up with a doom-and-gloom list about travel prospects for 2009. Many airlines are cutting back on the routes and tour operators are offering fewer package holidays, claiming prices will be higher.
But it's not all bad news. Travel bargains are on offer all across the Asia Pacific. Here’s a look at the most affordable destinations this year and other ways to stretch out your holiday budget.
Cruising The cruise industry is offering some of its lowest rates in history. Companies try to fill every ship to capacity to maximize the revenue from shore excursions, onboard casinos, alcoholic drinks and souvenirs, so any vacant cabins are offered at a cheaper rate.
Seaside Retreats Looking for a sunny spot where the dollar still buys you a lot? Check out these seaside destinations. Pranburi, Thailand’s isolation, authenticity and character are attracting travellers in search of the Thailand 20 years ago. Alternatively, travellers can find tranquility in the South Pacific’s Marquesas Islands. The French Polynesian outpost boasts awe-inspiring cliffs, black-sand beaches, waterfalls and 4,186-foot Mount Temetiu.
Based on analysis of hotel-pricing trends, CheapTickets.com has matched destinations with the most cost-effective time to travel in 2009. Looking for a deal? Check out Hong Kong in January, Italy in February, Brazil in April and Greece in November. 
Qantas will remove its domestic fuel surcharges for tickets issued starting Jan. 1. The airline has reduced domestic and international fuel surcharges twice in the last three months. Executive General Manager John Borghetti said: “We are responding today, with the removal of the AUD 18 per sector fuel surcharge on all Qantas domestic and QantasLink bookings. Based on the higher fuel costs associated with our international operations, international surcharges will remain. They have been reduced twice since October and will remain under review.”
The quest to make aviation more eco-friendly took a major step forward recently after the successful completion of the world’s first flight powered by second-generation biofuel. The Air New Zealand Boeing 747 took off from Auckland (AKL) for a two-hour test flight, powered with a 50/50 mix of jet fuel and jatropha tree oil in one of its four engines. The airline aims to source 10 per cent of its fuel from sustainable sources by 2013. Airlines can not use first-generation biofuels because they would freeze at high altitudes. Second-generation biofuels are made from plants that do not compete with food crops.
Singapore Airlines is introducing new Airbus A330-300 aircraft on routes to and from Australian and Japanese cities, starting late March. The first of the new aircraft will arrive in mid January and will be used to complete pilot conversion. Thereafter, the aircraft will be used to operate short sectors between Singapore (SIN) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL), and Singapore and Jakarta (CGK). The aircraft’s full entry into commercial service takes place on March 30 on routes between Singapore and Brisbane (BNE). The A330-300 twin-engine wide-body aircraft is configured with 285 seats in two classes — business and economy. The business-class cabin is in a 2-2-2 configuration.
Starwood has announced the opening of three Le Méridien Resorts in Asia Pacific. The debut of Le Méridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa marks the brand's second resort in China, while Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort and Le Méridien Chiang Mai expand the brand's portfolio in northern Thailand. Miguel Ko, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific said: "Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are both well known for their stunning landscape and rich cultural offerings while Shimei Bay is an unspoilt getaway for travellers to Hainan Island. These locations are a great fit with Le Méridien brand, which is committed to providing guests with an interactive and culturally enriching experience."
Japan Airlines has announced that it will be the first airline to conduct a demonstration flight using a biofuel refined from the energy crop, camelina. The approximately one-hour demo flight out of Haneda Airport (HND), Tokyo is planned for Jan. 30. A blend of 50 per cent biofuel and 50 per cent traditional Jet-A kerosene fuel will be tested in one of the four engines of a JAL Boeing 747-300. It will be the first biofuel demo by an Asian carrier. Camelina is an energy crop, given its high oil content and ability to grow in rotation with wheat and other cereal crops. It is considered next-generation as its primary use is a biofuel feedstock.
145 An He Road Section 2
Taipei, Taiwan
tel 886 02 8732 3726
www.flyasiana.com
A charming bistro in the heart of Taipei, Le Bistro Le L'Olivier boasts a variety of authentic French dishes. The cosy restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere that puts guests at ease, a sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city.
Set menus start from a reasonable TWD 650, while á la carte dishes are slightly more expensive. Notable dishes include cooked tomato stuffed with beef and mozzarella cheese (TWD 500) and the French apple pie with custard cream.
I especially loved the confit duck leg and homemade foie gras. The seared duck breast entrée was also out of this world — on par with far fancier establishments — while the pear tart with ice cream was a delicious finish.
The staff, fluent in English, was very helpful and well-informed. There is only one slight downside to Le Bistro D’Oliver: The tables are a bit too close together for my taste.
Nevertheless, for decent bistro food at a reasonable price, this place can't be beat.
Score: ••••• Joyce Woo
The Excelsior, Hong Kong has launched a Wellness Escape package for suite-bound guests looking for more than harbour views, good business facilities and a great shopping location. Pick from two indulgent body treatments: Rose Indulgence Treatment with olive grain exfoliation and infusions, and Oriental Foot Therapy. The package runs through June 30 at HKD 4,600 per night in an executive suite, with in-room meals including breakfast.
Bali's luxurious resort Karma Kandara has launched a new Karma Spa which boasts dazzling views of the Indian Ocean and offers a range of holistic experiences from yoga to personal grooming and 'boot camps' hosted by international consultants and local masters. At USD 95, the Reiki Soul Cleansing Package is a 60-minute energy session with Balinese Reiki Master, Made, who is sought after for his healing abilities. The Chakra Crystal Therapy, also priced USD 95, is a deeply nurturing experience that uses healing stones to promote energy flow in the body.
Boutique hotel IVY Shanghai is offering an Urban Romance Getaway Package priced at RMB 760, available from Feb. 10–17. Lovebirds can retreat to an IVY deluxe room which comes with a bottle of champagne, long-stem red roses, a box of chocolates and an exotic fruit plate. For those who want to enjoy a romantic sizzling affair, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant is offering a seven-course set menu priced at RMB 588 serving prime cuts of U.S. tenderloin, foie gras and king prawns. A signature IVY cocktail and free-flowing sparkling wine accompanies the romantic candlelit meal.
Hotel reservation portal AsiaTiv.com has announced the beginning of a new hotel promotion campaign in Australia. The new promotion gives travellers extra nights or free upgrades to the next room type when staying at participating hotels for a certain number of nights. Log onto to the AsiaTiv hotel reservation portal and check to see what’s available. This promotion also applies to the company's affiliate partners.
Grand Park Xian is offering a 'Romantic Tang Cultural Experience' with guided tours to China’s ancient Silk Road capital famed for the world famous Terracotta Warriors and historic capital of the Tang Dynasty. Through to March 31, the three-day, two-night experience package designed for two is priced at RMB 1,998 per person including return airport transfer, buffet breakfast each morning and a unique Empress Banquet gourmet dinner. The package also features a visit to the Terracotta Warriors along with many other fascinating attractions in Xian.
