VIRGIN’S UP-FRONT SEAT PERKS

YOUR WEEKLY “TRAVELLERS GOOD BUYS”

Week beginning 29 October 2007

travellers good buys: with david ellis

VIRGIN’S UP-FRONT SEAT PERKS

VIRGIN Blue is introducing a new class of wider seat with more legroom
called Premium Economy to attract those who want better than Economy,
but don’t want to pay full Business Class. The first three rows of its
Boeing aircraft, and some rows in its Embraers, will be fitted with
the red leather seats that will give two on each side of the aisle
instead of the present three in Economy. Those who book Premium
Economy will also receive free access to the Foxtel Inflight
Entertainment Channels, increased baggage allowance of 32kg,
complimentary entry to The Lounge facilities in Sydney, Melbourne,
Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra, and flexible and refundable fares.
Installation of the new seats will begin this year, with the entire
fleet fitted out in time for an official launch in 2008.

FAMILY-holiday company Travel With Kidz says Africa’s not just for
adventurous adults, and has a package for a family of four at the
Honeyguide tented safari camp on the edge of South Africa’s Kruger
National park from $13,280. It includes return air from Sydney, four
nights in permanent tents at the child-friendly Khoka Moya Camp with
ensuite and private verandah, all meals and drinks, game-viewing
drives and bushwalks, a night in Johannesburg and domestic air within
Africa; details 1300 729 541 or www.travelwithkidz.com.au

BEAT the Christmas rush with pre-Christmas specials at Accor resorts
in Coffs Harbour from $179 per night, Surfers Paradise from $327 a
night, the Sunshine Coast from $240 per night and Cairns from $155 a
night. Phone 1300 65 65 65 or visit www.accorhotels.com.au for
bookings and available dates.

HUNDREDS of dollars can be saved on self-drive holidays in Europe if
booked through globalCARS by December 31 for leasings throughout 2008.
They have 40 different model compacts to people-mover Citroens costing
from $28 a day with extra 7- to 9-days free on certain models, 50 per
cent off collection and return fees in Europe and a $150 credit off
the invoice. All come with new car warranty, full insurance and third
party with no excess, free first service and free pick up and return
in France. Details 1300 789 992 or www.globalCARS.com.au

BREAKFREE has one-bedroom apartments from $118 a night until December
22 at its Great Sandy Straits Marina Resort at Hervey Bay – which is
says is a refreshing alternative to some of the more tourist-trodden
holiday spots on the Queensland Coast. The resort has uninterrupted
views of the bay, exclusive direct beach access, a marina, 25m lap
pool as well as a tropical style pool, tennis, cycle hire, sauna, and
kids’ playground. Phone (07) 4128 9999.

TRUE: A British travel writer has complained in her newspaper that on
a recent visit to St Petersburg in Russia, with eleven cruise ships in
port on the one day, the 15,000 passengers they disgorged required
over 600 motor coaches to get them around town – and with
near-three-hour queues she gave up on trying to see most major
attractions.