And with an absolute vengeance.
There is no better time than now to fully embrace your bucket list.
And I really mean NOW.
It is predicted that 3 in 4 Australians will book their next getaway in 2023.
With so many providers, airlines, and online agents to choose from where do you even start? How and where to get a good deal?
Here is a summary of the top things people in travel are talking about and my five cents worth of where you should head to next, travel news to keep you in the loop as well as my TOP 3 tips this month.
Support local
With so many options available to us right now should we be staying down under for our next adventure?
Our post-pandemic travel hearts is a little divided on this one.
It seems that some of us can truly appreciate our local wonders and produce post-pandemic and want to continue our discovery journey around Australia in instalments, by land, air and sea.
Others have decided that when weighing up the cost of travel within Australia just to sit by the pool, watching a nice sunset with a cocktail in hand our Asian neighbours seem far more appealing when looking at making that pandemic dollar stretch.
The next bit of news might bring some added hope to local and regional tourism with the launch of a new player in the Australian skies.
Bonza, officially names Bonza Aviation Pty Ltd is a low-cost airline founded by former Virgin Blue Executive Tim Jordan, along with Lydia Venezuela and Peter McNally. With a launch statement “Get ready for the new airline that’s opening up in Australia! More direct flight to more places than ever before, and all at low-cost prices”
The low budget carrier aims to fly between 27 regional destinations including Newcastle, Townsville and Toowoomba.
When asked about how does he feel about the competition Jordan said:
“Our competitor is not the other airlines, our competitor is the couch or the car – this is about people seeing a price for $59 or $69 and going, you know what? Let’s go?”
Mmm, do people actually have to think about that? Considering the price of petrol lately, I can’t get to Cronulla for that. (I live in Manly)
The budget airline is due to launch in October 2022 and you can download the app via your store to be notified as soon as their fares become available.
On the Lux list : Trip to the moon on anyone?
If travelling to the moon at an affordable price has been on your bucket list for some time, look no further!
Now nowhere else in the world can top this extravagant destination when doing bigger and better than the rest of the modern world!
Not only do they have one of the best airlines in the world, the world’s tallest building, year round ski centre when its 50 degrees outside, the Palms, Burj Kalifa and Al Arab our Emirati neighbours have now decided on the moon is the limit!
Okay, not quite.
But very close.
A Canada-based company plans to build four MOON resorts, with the first designated for Dubai.
The 735-foot replica of the moon project would feature a “lunar colony” and “lunar surface” costing a staggering $5 billion dollars.
Whilst plans are still being finalised it is estimated to be able to welcome guests.
Dubai is the perfect 3 night stop over on the way to an European destination and Abu Dhabi is a an easy 90 minute complimentary airline transfer away.
Tip 1: Book in advance! Yes plan ahead.
When it comes to flights there is no such a thing a last minute deal.
The airlines only releases very limited seats at their sale prices $69, $79, etc so once they are sold, that’s that.
Same goes for the $999 to London, see it, like it, grab it!
Tip 2: Shop around! Value for money vs flexibility
Please shop around. Whether it is online on via an agent due diligence is key.
But also ensure you know what you are comparing.
In travel we use “apples for apples” daily and we also see clients comparing “apples with bananas”.
As an example non-refundable and non-changeable flights are always cheaper than flexible fares.
Hotel rooms at the same hotel with a better view, added breakkie or above a certain floor in a Harbour city can also vary quite widely in price.
Tip 3: How about my frequent flyer points?
They are absolutely awesome when you are looking into extra value in add-on services such as lounge passes, additional baggage, flexibility on fares and points upgrades.
However to actually book a flight you need to:
A – Start looking about 9 months in advance
B – Be flexible with your travel dates, routes and aircraft
C – Do the maths of how much are your points worth vs how much is your flight worth?
Frequent flyer points are like poke machine in clubs. People stick to the ones they know, in the hope they can get something good one day such as a business class flight around the world.
They are there to generate revenue, repeat custom and monetary value for the business owner not you, the silver, gold or platinum members.
Disclaimer:
Written by :
David Griffiths
Life Coach
David is passionate about making a difference through his coaching. Having completed a coaching program with Results Life Coaching back in the late 1990s, he works closely with people to bring about changes in their lives.