Latest news

Showing the latest news.

China Travel Advice

Ahead of a trip to China, taking in Beijing and Shenzen, one member seeks some advice. Although our member will be travelling for business, a number of “must-see” sight suggestions are given. Naturally the Great Wall just outside of Beijing makes the list, but there are also a number of interesting sights in Beijing itself. … Continued

16 May 2015 Destinations

Circling the Pacific in style

Circle Pacific fares are not widely known, but they can offer some significant savings on multi-stop fares across the Pacific. More than a return ticket, but not quite a round-the-world ticket, Circle Pacific fares allow for two Pacific crossings with a typical routing taking passengers from Australia to Asia, and then onto North America before … Continued

13 May 2015 Flight Reviews

Sticky fingers: Okay to nick items from hotel rooms?

This week our members discuss a common topic of debate – hotel room theft. Obviously you wouldn’t steal a TV or bed from a hotel room, but what about the little things like soap, shampoo and towels? While our members’ opinions somewhat divided on where the line should be drawn, most agree that disposal toiletries … Continued

12 May 2015 Hotel Loyalty Programs

BP pumping out Velocity points by the tank

Virgin Australia Velocity has a shiny new partner. Velocity members can now earn 2 points per litre of petrol by filling up at BP petrol stations, as well as 2 points per dollar spent in-store. The new partnership is a welcome addition for our members who are more than happy to start taking advantage of … Continued

11 May 2015 Virgin Australia

Stressful Travel Situations

Although travel is usually full of positive experiences, stressful situations are sometimes unavoidable. Delays, lost passports and cancelled credit cards are just some of the issues bound to boost the blood pressure of even the most seasoned travellers. This week our members share experiences that have stressed them out while travelling – and they have … Continued

7 May 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Gallipoli: An Anzac Day to remember

Anzac Day holds a significance for all Australians and New Zealanders. Recently Australians and New Zealanders commemorated 100 years since the Anzacs landed on the shores of Gallipoli. The pilgrimage to Gallipoli for the annual Anzac Day Dawn Service is always a popular one, but so many people wanted to attend the centenary service that … Continued

6 May 2015 Destinations

Strategies for minimising motion sickness

One member finds themself stuck in a hiatus from flying as they suffer from severe motion sickness. They ask for advice on how to minimise the effects and get back in the air. I used to travel regularly, but a few years ago developed severe motion sickness and have now developed a fear of this … Continued

5 May 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Optus pulls the plug on Qantas partnership

Our members are disappointed that Optus will no longer award customers with Qantas points from July. A number of customers have threatened to leave the telco, while the news has frustrated some Optus customers on contracts they are unable to get out of. Optus became a Qantas Frequent Flyer partner to much fanfare in 2011. … Continued

4 May 2015 Qantas

“Dynamic Currency Conversion” rip-off

Ever been offered the opportunity to pay in Australian dollars while shopping overseas or on a foreign website? Chances are, you’ve been exposed to “dynamic currency conversion”. You might think that the merchant is doing you a favour by converting the price to your native currency, but the reality is that they’re probably ripping you … Continued

2 May 2015 Travel Money

Crash course in maximising frequent flyer points

Our members this week deliver a crash course on maximising the value of your frequent flyer points. Responding to a request for advice from an inquisitive new member, our members offer a wide range of valuable tips. Being new to the world of frequent flyer points, it’s a significant but decidedly positive learning curve for … Continued

30 Apr 2015 Airlines, Miles and Points

An epic South American adventure – another RooFlyer classic

We’re privileged on AFF to see another trip report from veteran traveller and trip report writer RooFlyer, who recently jetted off to South America for a month-long tour. The impressive destination list will include the likes of Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Quito and the Iguassu Falls, to name but a few! Following in the footsteps … Continued

29 Apr 2015 Destinations

No value in Virgin Flexi fares?

One member is frustrated at what they perceive as a considerable devaluation of Virgin’s more expensive Flexi fares. They complain that while the benefits have decreased, the prices of Flexi fares have soared. Flexi fares often cost triple the price of a standard Saver ticket. Can someone enlighten me on the benefit of booking a … Continued

28 Apr 2015 Virgin Australia