a maldivian treat...

It's a desired destination...a small intimate island, white sandy beaches and stunning waters for snorkelling or diving - that's the general consensus, when we think of the Maldives.  If you're not into pushy street vendors, raving night clubs or littered beaches - staying out on atoll in the Maldives is your dream destination. 

If that is all you want from your holiday in the Maldives, that's fine, but do stop to take a deeper look...
Located within the Indian Ocean you'll discover they're a nation that has developed on influences from south and southeast Asia, the Africans and the Arabs.  These influences can be experienced in their craftsmanship, arts and music and their strong folklore. There is approximately 200 inhabited islands, with 90 of those catering for tourists wanting that idyllic holiday for relaxation, romance and water activity.

If the Maldives have been on your desired holiday list...well, here are some great holiday deals for you...

EARLY BIRD OFFERS: Stay Free Nights and Bonuses 

 

Packages include: Return Singapore Airlines economy airfares, return transfer via speedboat or seaplane, 7 Nights accommodation and meals as specified:

Sheraton Maldives Fullmoon Resort & Spa - 6 Nights & 1 Night FREE plus daily breakfast
EBO - Book 90 days prior to arrival, receive 10% discount on stay. Ex - Syd $2560 pp      Mel $2541 pp
Cocoa Island - 5 Nights & 2 Nights FREE plus daily breakfast
EBO - Book 45 days prior to arrival, get US$150 resort credit per room/per night
Ex - Syd $3695 pp      Mel $3676 pp
Huvafen Fushi - 6 Nights & 1 Night FREE plus daily breakfast
EBO - Book 60 days prior to arrival, get 5% discount on stay
Ex -  Syd $4782 pp     Mel $4763 pp

VALID - 01 May to 31 July 2011

Want another resort? Well give us a call, as there are more offers available...

Contact TWAD for details on conditions and all is subject to availability.  



Celebrating at Huvafen Fushi

Lime Spa, Huvafen Fushi

Arriving Huvafen Fushi

holidays for happiness...

During the GFC the government was urging us to take holidays, for us to spend and stimulate the economy... Well, some of us did and some of us didn't.  For those that did, well done, you contributed to keeping monies moving and as you would've discovered and may discover further - you felt good for it!

What you gained and maybe you weren't conscious of or even aware of it, was the sense of happiness you felt when on holidays. During my years in travel I've meet some passionate persons, and through the spa industry I recently met a fellow, Dr Sebastion Filep, he and I were both at a Medical Tourism & Wellness Tourism conference.  Our discussions were fun, but his passion for peoples happiness and how tourism can assistance in that was of great interest.  Working at Victoria University, Centre for Tourism and Services Research, he'd had just returned from a conference in Budapest where it was discussed that, yes, tourism - travel and holidays - did stimulate your a sense of happiness and improve wellbeing.

Below are a few links where Dr Sebastian Filep has been quoted.  On reading these, you'll comtemplate your past holidays and how you felt, smile and giggle and acknowledge, yes, my holiday did enstill a sence of happiness....Enjoy! 
Scientists say holidays are good for us
Travel eases depression: research 
Make everyday like your holidays
Holidays can make you live longer


simply capturing the moment...



Balinese girls at Kila Aman



 Note:  wish to travel with a friend, on your own or with a group, simply give us a call and discover what Travel With A Difference can do for you...

the thrill of skiing...ooops snowboarding

Some great holiday deals to the ski slopes in the Northern Hemisphere have arrived, but you'll need to book and deposit/pay before 15 November.

So, if you love the thrill and adrenalin of skiing open, long or powdered runs, pull your skis or snowboard out from the shed and take off for a fun filled holiday.  Take advantage of these deals:
SKI NISEKO with Hong Kong Stopover   from $3566 pp twin share
- Return Cathay Pacific airfare ex SYD, MEL, PER to Sapporo via Hong Kong
- 2 Nights at Harbour Plaza North Point, Hong Kong
- Hong Kong island tour & Hong Kong night harbour cruise
- Return transfers from Sapporo airport
- 7 Nights at Hakunnso Lodge, Sapporo
- Daily breakfast
- 6 Day life pass
VALID for travel 28 Jan-21 Feb

SKI Big White, Canada     from $539
- 7 Nights staying at Whitefoot Lodge
- 6 Day lift pass
VALID for travel 03Jan - 03Feb

SKI Whistler, SKI Banff, SKI Silverstar, SKI Fernie, SKI Sun Peaks, SKI Heavenly....varying travel dates, inclusions apply
     

Early Birds...

It's a term that has been used as long as I can recall being in the travel industry... Early Birds, are special offers that are available at the end of the year for holidays planned for the next year ahead.


What's prompted me to give you insight to a few of these Early Birds, is that they have been extended.  Bookings & deposits that were due last week, have extended their Booking & Deposit deadline to 19 November.  These Early Bird details are a great stepping stone into your bigger travelling plan...


You just have to think of Paris and you think of France and then you think of Europe...hello, there is so much to see and experience.


Some of the deals on offers include:


PARIS - Return Singapore Airlines airfare, taxes and 2 Nights accommodation in Paris.
Travel is between 01 Mar - 30 Sep 2011, depending on the chosen accommodation.
Cost from $1,989 per person twin share. Ex Mel


LONDON - Return Singapore Airlines airfare, taxes and 2 Nights accommodation in London.
Travel is between 01 Mar - 30 Sep 2001, depending on the chosen accommodation.
Cost from $2,045 per person twin share. Ex Mel


Other destinations include: Japan, Dubai....

Hmmm...have any thoughts give us a call.


Conditions:  All is subject to availability and conditions apply.

Travelling Solo - to do or not to do

For over twenty years I have been on and off planes, whether it be for work or leisure I have always managed to squeeze in some solo travelling. It has not been by choice, it has been a matter of circumstance. Work has you attending a conference, a private famil doing resort/hotel inspections or travelling from A-to-B to meet up with friends.

I look back at the times I've travelled solo and each time I recall saying "I'm not doing this again" .  Huh, but some how, I find myself in that solo state of travelling once again.  As much as I'm conscious of the feeling of being solo...lonely...bored..it happens, me travelling solo.  Why do I loath solo travelling? There is nobody to share the moment with, sure there's the people in the train, plane or automobile, but are you going to see them again to share the heart felt moment you just experienced?  Not likely.

Travelling solo can also have its rewards and attributes, such as allowing you to step out of your comfort zone and chat with a stranger, it allows time for you to see and do the things you want to see and do without compromise. I recall being in need of time-out, so I went to a spa health retreat - Kamalaya Koh Samui. It was fab, I was there for a week, I didn't speak to anyone beyond the staff for the first five days, I need that down time. Then I met a fab English woman there and had great chats for the next day and half. 

So, whatever your reason, purpose or need to holiday or travel is do consider does it have to be solo or can I share the experience. And this is where these great Companion Business Class Airfares with Malaysian Airlines can assist. Enjoy.


OFFER: Companion Business Class Airfares - Malaysian Airlines
- On Sale until 30 November
- Companions must travel together entire journey
- Visit Malaysia, Asia, Middle East or UK/Europe
For Reservations contact: http://www.travelwithadifference.com.au/


It can be a hard slog...



Oh, thrill of being solo...



 


Remember when...

 

Annie's Provedore Tasmanian Delights

What a great feeling it is to be at the start of a new year.  I ended the year with a tasks completed and now happily and enthusiastically with new energy am commencing work again.

The end of 2009 I spent my time researching and creating a yummy 2010 food tour for Annie's Provedore in Barwon Heads. A date has been set for the tour to commence 19-23 April 2010.  This fab produce tour will have you staying at the award winning Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart.  As well as experiencing Meadow Bank Estate winery, you'll cruise to Peppermint Bay, participate in cooking classes and dine on local produce and more.

If food and memorable experiences are your thing.  Book this tour today, as spaces are limited.  Contact Travel With A Difference today for further information or reservations. Enjoy.

the agrarian kitchen. agrarian (adj):  relating to land

Picture courtesy of the agrarian kitchen.