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Bailing out from Bangkok

With concerns about travel to Bangkok on their mind, one of members asks an interesting question The political situation in Thailand is a bit worrying and could be much worse by the time of travel, so I’m considering ditching BKK as a destination if the situation worsens. The last leg of the ticket is Hong … Continued

5 Mar 2014 Destinations

Brazil – A hazard to your waistline?

After some difficulties with a North American Winter, our roving member, Mattg, heads this week to South America, specifically Brazil and Peru. No doubt many will be heading to Brazil later this year for the World Cup, so it’s a good time to find out what’s on offer. While many visit the country as tourists, … Continued

4 Mar 2014 Destinations

Cheap Cash when travelling

Despite many of us living in a society where plastic is the common means of payment, it’s cash that is the King while travelling. But how do you get local currency cheaply in strange lands? The easy way to get cash is via a cash exchange. However you do run the risk of theft and/or … Continued

3 Mar 2014 Travel Money

Should you be cashing in your points?

Once bitten twice shy? Many of us have been bitten before when a program devalues its points or closes. The fear of being the victim once again often makes us constantly review our balances, looking at ways to ensure optimum value is achieved. Recent news that our local airlines have been struggling has had many … Continued

1 Mar 2014 Airlines, Miles and Points

Where to spend a 10 day holiday

One member this week has a rather enviable problem. They have a ten day holiday to plan and have no idea where to go. Our well-travelled and limitlessly helpful bunch are delighted to provide some getaway recommendations. Locally, Central and Northern Australia were highly recommended for their culture and unique experiences. Our nearby Kiwi cousins … Continued

27 Feb 2014 Destinations

Saving big dollars flying Business to Los Angeles

This month sees one of our members tempted down the path some have taken before. In the spirit of “Why fly direct when you can connect”, they are looking at flying Business to America via Fiji with Fiji Airways. What’s on offer? If you are a couple, a saving of $5,000 to start with! Airlines … Continued

26 Feb 2014 Planning & Booking

Beware the Romans (selling Hand Bags)!

Encounters can often provide travellers with memories they will keep forever. But some may leave you with the feeling of unease – missed opportunity or money saved? One of our members recently had such an experience Ever have one of those days where you wish you could go back and have again? We were walking … Continued

24 Feb 2014 Destinations

What airline for the Not-So-Frequent Flyer?

One of our members is planning a big family trip to Disneyworld in Florida, and asks the question I am looking to take the family to Disneyworld around September. So basically Sydney to Orlando. Assuming I am bronze member in both Frequent Flyer programs, and the money for the flights is roughly the same. We … Continued

18 Feb 2014 Airlines, Miles and Points

Guam – “Why are you here?”

Frequent Flyers have a lot to thank the Spanish for, including making Guam their only Pacific port east of the Philippines from about 1565. Thanks to the spoils of winning the American Spanish War in the 1890s, America was granted control over Puerto Rico & Guam, making them territories of the United States. While the … Continued

17 Feb 2014 Destinations

$40 for a night in a 4 or 5 star hotel?

Hotel frequent guest programs are often an afterthought for many travellers. With careful use and keeping an eye on promotions however, they can save you a lot of money. One of the benefits that’s on offer, is of course free nights, and you don’t need status to enjoy them. Many of the hotel chains in … Continued

16 Feb 2014 IHG One Rewards

Flying in Pyjamas Etiquette

In a further dissection of “flying etiquette 101”, our members this week discuss the lowdown on the when and how of donning pyjamas in the sky. It is a question of etiquette as to whether donning a competing airlines pyjamas is acceptable.  One member opines that provided the pyjamas are clean and tidy than the … Continued

13 Feb 2014 In Flight

Australian Flying Club Members to be grounded?

With the sad news this week that another airline, Virgin Atlantic, will be ceasing service to Australia with their own aircraft, our members are left with some questions.  Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club has been a little known frequent flyer program to most Australians, but our members have seen significant value in earning and enjoying the … Continued

12 Feb 2014 Other Airlines