Travelbeen Australia Blog

Vietnam - just wanting to be discovered by you!

2009-08-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

Vietnam is a country filled with captivating natural beauty and tranquil village life. Its highlands and rainforest regions, continue to yield new species and team with exotic wildlife. Its islands and beaches are among the finest in all of Southeast Asia, and its cuisine is very possibly the most delicious you will ever find.
AirfaresFlights.com.au Great information on cheap flight bookings, airline tickets and deals on Vietnam Airlines to Hanoi, Vietnam. You can browse through sections on Vietnam Airlines Flights, Vietnam Deals and Vietnam Reviews. This site is a great starting place if you are just beginning to plan your holiday. Check out their "Top Travel Offers" today. There are great deals waiting.

VietnamStay.com Since its very beginning, VietnamStay.Com has been expanding it's scores of lodges, budget accommodation and guest house in Vietnam. It was set up by a local and run by locals. It has great up to date information on current tours on offer, what you might expect to pay and where to visit and explore.

Travel Clearance Travel Clearance is a web based travel agency offering exclusive holiday bargains to some of the most exotic and exciting destinations in the world. They focus on travel suppliers who can offer "distressed inventory" at very low prices. This will include hotels and resorts that have recently opened or have specific periods in the near future where they have low occupancies. In short - bargains for you! They have amazing deals for holiday packages in Hoi-An, Saigon, Nha Trang, Hanoi and Halong Bay.

Overseas Working Holidays Overseas Working Holidays (OWH) are the experts in providing global working experiences and adventure to the independent traveler. It is part of the Flight Centre Group and they are dedicated to helping individuals work and live in different countries by facilitating working opportunities wherever possible. OWH currently has volunteer opportunities available through their partner organization in Vietnam. Volunteers have the chance to teach English to children in orphanages and to members of the wider community. They also help care for and play with the children. All of the placements offered are working with government run programs in the central Vietnam region around Da Nang.

Haivenu They are one of a tiny number of travel companies that can offer you a genuine tailor-made luxury private tour or holiday at an affordable price. Nothing is too much trouble for them and they apply the highest standards of quality to everything they do. They have a commitment to conserving the environment of the ountry. They are a young Vietnam tour operator, committed to providing top-quality, personalised service and fully sustainable tourism. They avoid 'ecotourism' in environmentally sensitive areas and encourage their customers to travel with light footsteps. For local knowledge this looks a great find.

Holidays for Couples This is the official online home of Holidays for Couples magazine and the ultimate romantic getaway website. It featuring luxurious, romantic accommodation and travel options in Australia and the world, you can plan the perfect honeymoon, romantic holiday, weekend getaway or short break all with this one easy to use, comprehensive web site. Recently, Vietnam has become a very popular destination for Australian travellers and an increasingly popular choice for honeymooners. From the very south of the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh city (formerly Saigon) to the northern capital of Hanoi and Ha Long Bay as well as the many coastal towns in between, the diversity of this country and its people. There is a fabulous choice of luxury accommodation which makes it the perfect destination for couples to enjoy a romantic getaway or honeymoon, combined with a cultural experience.

Tourist Australia Online Tourist Australia commenced its operations on 2001 and has successfully provided its customers' with holiday packages, accommodation, transportation requirements and tourist information. They have Vietnam Asian Group Tours - Vietnam Escorted Tours. They currently have 8 Vietnam Group Tours available departing from Australia. Tour include tour for pensioners, retired, retiree persons in Australia.

Vietnam, China, Thailand, Japan, Korea... we have great suggestions.
Visit us at www.travelbeen.com.au

Give your stomach a holiday !

2009-07-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

If good food is your idea of the perfect holiday, then we have several suggestions below.

About Australia Where every you are travelling within Australia, this is a great directory that has local suggestions of where to wine and dine. From Alice Springs to Yorke Peninsular they have profiles on hundreds of restaurant and cafes.

Luxuary Adventures Discover Australia’s lively food scene with a range of cooking classes, and culinary tours where you'll taste the best of local food and wine that will delight your tastebuds. Interact with like-minded locals, meet top food professionals, and unearth culinary treasures. To see behind the scenes and experience people and places hidden from most visitors. Explore Australia through its food and people with a range of personalised tours with real Aussies.

South Australia Head to South Australia's fabulous food markets, where you can enjoy fresh aromas, a conversation with local producers, and a chance to grab that special jar of goodies that simply cannot be found on any ordinary supermarket shelf.

Victoria - Experience Victoria Food and Wine
Discover Yarra Valley wine, Taste your way around over 650 cellar doors in 21 distinct wine.
Savour a diverse choice of restaurants, cafés and pubs to suit all tastes
Local produce - Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm
From seafood to citrus sample fresh seasonal produce throughout Victoria
Beer - Discover Victoria's craft breweries and the unique flavours they produce
Great Ideas - Lollipop factory and many more foodie ideas...

Australia's Coral Coast The fresh local produce of Western Australia’s Coral Coast can be enjoyed at many of the region’s restaurants and country pubs. There’s a huge variety of fresh local seafood to choose from, particularly in Jurien Bay, Dongara and Geraldton, which are home to large rock lobster fishing fleets. Further north is Carnarvon, the food bowl of Western Australia. Visit one of the many banana plantations and sample delicious fruits. Stop by the Chapman Valley wineries to sample some of the unique, local blends. Visit the friendly country pubs and enjoy a cold beer with the locals. Or dine at one of the region’s many restaurants and enjoy fresh local produce prepared by the talented chefs of Western Australia’s Coral Coast.
Tour Kangaroo Island - Tempting Food The lack of large-scale development has meant that small industry has flourished and now includes a variety of products such as free-range eggs, olive oil, native jams, smoked fish, sauces and marinades. Kangaroo Island's apiarists harvest honey from the pure strain Ligurian bees, and regional cheeses and yoghurts continue to find a place in food lovers' hearts. Fresh seafood is featured across the Island and seasonally you can enjoy a variety of natural and farmed produce such as oysters, prawns, crayfish, whiting, snapper and, not forgetting freshwater marron - it's so easy to get a taste for Kangaroo Island!

Sydney on the Web Sydney has one of the most vibrant and exciting dining scenes of any city on earth. Passionate chefs, a vast array of fresh produce, a culinary style that has evolved from a rich and exciting intermingling of cultures - and some fabulous backdrops - have transformed the act of sitting down at a restaurant or café into an exhilarating experience.
Fine Dining in Sydney Simplified. SydneyOnTheWeb.com, offers you reviews on some of the best restaurants in Sydney, with selections from their menus and the facility to book a restaurant in Sydney. Use search box below to find just the dining experience you are after.

Tasmania - it's worth a visit

2009-07-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

The second last wilderness on earth, an island that's comfortable with it's colonial past and in tune with it's sensitive environment. It's a place where the air sits clean and crisp upon your cheeks and the smell of the primeval rainforest pervades your clothing. Our smallest state of Australia is perfect for a driving holiday, the roads are almost devoid of traffic and unexpected colonial villages pop up along the way. There are a plethora of good establishments renown for their hospitality, superior lodgings and gourmet local produce.

This really is temptation island.

Spirit of Tasmania
Book Spirit of Tasmania online and save! Spirit of Tasmania sails from Melbourne and Devonport most nights. And some days during peak periods. Why not experience the excitement of sea travel on a summer day sailing? For a full list of sailing dates, check their timetable or availability. Alternatively, you can fill in their online booking request form.

Australian Explorer
Travelling in Tasmania is so easy with Australian Explorer. They offer tens of thousands of tourism pages containing Australian travel information all in one great place. Just decide where in Tasmania you would like to explore and follow the many travel links below.

Metro Metro Tasmania is a state owned company established in 1998. They operate an extensive bus services in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. Metro is the largest passenger transport company in Tasmania. If you are wanting to travel around Tasmania in an efficient, inexpensive and comfortable manner - use a Metro Bus!

About Australia A great directory for accommodation in Tasmania. They have places to stay in:
* Derwent Valley & Highlands
* Devonport & Cradle Mountain
* Flinders Island
* Freycinet
* Heritage Highway
* Hobart
* Huon DEntrecasteaux Bruny
* King Island
* Launceston & Tamar Valley
* St Helens
* Stanley
* Strahan
* Tasman Peninsula

Travel Associates
Looking for exclusive luxury holidays and the finest luxury cruises and tours? Travel Associates is a boutique travel agency service, specialising in travel for the frequent and more discerning traveller in search of new experiences or the ultimate in luxury holidays. Because of its diversity, Tasmania offers some of Australia's most sought after luxury accommodation and luxury tours. There are many tours on offer, or design your own.

Click for Australia A great way to experience much of the natural beauty that Tasmania has to offer is to tour the island on a bicycle and one of the tour operators specializing in cycling tours is Island Cycle Tours. Island Cycle Tours offers a variety of cycling tours for people ranging from 12 to 60 years of age. Cycling enthusiasts can choose from 3, 4, 6 or 7 day tours and each day ends with a hot shower and a relaxing evening enjoying the fine Tasmanian cuisine.

Trek Australia 6 Day Taste of Tasmania. Visit Lake St. Claire, Cradle Mountain spectacular rainforests and waterfalls as you travel through Tasmania- Experience a "ghost tour " at historic Port Arthur.....and more
* Mount Field National Park
* Lake St Claire
* Montezuma Falls
* Heny Sand Dunes
* Quad Bike or Sand Boarding
* Cradle Mountain National Park
* Great Westerm Tiers
* Cataract Gorge
* Stacks Bluff and Legges Tor
* Freycinet National Park
* Mount Amos, Wineglass Bay
* Port Arthur Ghost Tour
* Isle of the Dead
* Remarkable Cave

There are literally hundreds of suggestions for your next holiday to Tasmania.
Visit Travelbeen.com for all your websites.

New Zealand and Australia Travel & Tourism Businesses for Sale

2009-07-09T05:24:00.000-07:00

Going on holiday is one thing, but when you are on holiday most people have thought at some time "I wish I didn't have to go back to work next week".

Well we all know that it is only a few lucky people who can stay on holiday indefinately.
However saying that there is another option - and that is to change your life and take on a travel and tourism business.

Now this is not a ticket to sit on the beach every day, but it does mean for some to change what you do and live a in scenic place and meet interesting people everyday and perhaps take life a little easier.

There are people out there that get awork / life balance just right and we at Travelbeen believe that there are some travel and tourism businesses that could just do that for you.

We have teamed up with BizOptions and pulled together a select few travel and tourism businesses across New Zealand and Australia for sale which may help you dream a little.

Travel & Tourism - Luxurious Lakeside Accommodation Lodge Business For Sale
Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand

Travel & Tourism - Bed & Breakfast and Alpine Lodge Business For Sale
Lake Coleridge Village, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand

Travel & Tourism - Motel Business For Sale
Ohakune Court Motel, Ohakune North Island New Zealand

Farmstay, Fishing Tours & Horse Trekking Business For Sale
Ikamatua, South Island, New Zealand

Luxury Lodge Accommodation Business For Sale
Russell, Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand

Click here for a full list of New Zealand Travel and Tourism Businesses for Sale

Backpackers Business for Sale
Stanthorope, Queensland Australia

Management Rights Business for Sale
Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast, Australia

Travel & Tourism - Holiday Accommodation Business For Sale
Gold Coast, Australia

Management Rights Accommodation Business For Sale
Palm Beach, Gold Coast, Australia

Travel & Tourism - Holiday Accommodation Business For Sale

Albury, Australia

Click here for a full list of Australian Travel and Tourism Businesses for Sale

Fiji - your winter escape.

2009-06-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

Is winter getting you down? Deaming of a tropical island? Fiji is more accessible than you might think. There are amazing deals on at the moment. Travelbeen.com.au has sources some great sights from our unique search engine.

Fiji holidays are very popular, and as one of the world's most exotic travel destinations it's no wonder why. A tropical paradise in the South Pacific, Fiji is a land made up of 322 islands that span nearly two thousand miles. Fiji holidays are particularly popular in the colder seasons, as those who travel Fiji enjoy a tropical climate between 29°C and 31°C.

Escape Travel
With so many options for Fiji travel, Escape Travel can tailor holidays to suit your needs. Whether you're after a romantic, relaxing or adventurous holiday, the choices are endless. Fiji is brimming with colourful attractions, splendid scenery, friendly people and exciting things to do.

Fascinating Fiji: 4 nights from $315*
Luxurious Fiji 5-Star 4 nights from $339*

For more great deals visit Escape Travel

Castaway Fiji's most popular island resort has guests returning year after year to experience the magic that is "Castaway". The island's 174 acres are covered with lush tropical vegetation, surrounded by white sand beaches and encircled by vibrant coral reefs. Their spacious yet secluded bures are some of the best.

Kids Holidays Online Fiji is one of the best destinations available for family holidays. There are many resorts in Fiji that cater for both adults and children. The Fijian people are among the friendliest in the world and will ensure your holiday is one to remember. Kids Holidays Online contains information on Fiji that may be of value to families. Facts about Fiji are listed along with tips for families planning holidays in Fiji. The accommodation pages contain links to every resort in Fiji that cater for families. Each resort is listed with the facilities available especially for children from children's meals to kids clubs, accommodation discounts, children's activities, playgrounds etc. Once you have found a Fiji resort you like you can visit the web site for that resort to find more details about rooms, meals, accommodation prices and activities.
Fiji Resorts Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort If it is luxury you are looking for this will float your boat! The award-winning, five-star Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is one of the most renowned vacation destinations in the South Pacific.

2007 World Travel award
2008 World Travel Awards
Voted No.1 Eco-friendly Resort by Trip Advisor 2007
No. 1 World's Best Environmentally-Friendly Accommodation
Conde Nast Traveler Award
Condé Nast Traveler
2006 Gold List

With a list of awards that long... see their site for more details.

FijiBure.com Hundreds of travellers are now discovering the unique experience of living in a village with the locals. The exotic palm trees, simple living, kava ceremonies and Fiji time are something no other holiday can ever match. This is the ultimate getaway. The kids, mums and dads will never forget this holiday experience... its the best way to actually be part of a community based culture - the ultimate holiday in Fiji. FijiBure.com is a cooperative village project owned and operated by Interactive Presentations Pty Ltd as trustee for the Balson Family Trust.

AirfaresFlights.com.au is an independent Australian travel website. Unlike other travel websites, this site does not sell airfares or package deals- rather it is an online travel directory, a market for travel businesses to promote their deals to the customer. The site has been online since January 2003, and since then a variety of travel companies have listed their deals and advertised on the site, including companies with websites and those without. It has great information on visa requirements, currency, duty free allowances and tipping information. It is a really easy to use site and has access to literally hundred of deals for Fiji.

Expedia.com.au Dreaming of a Fiji holiday, but not sure which island is best? Need a ferry or seaplane transfer to your resort? Or are you so flat out at work that you can't find time to plan your dream holiday on one of Fiji's beautiful tropical resorts? No matter whether you need a short break from the daily grind, a secluded lagoon to inspire a Fiji romance, an exciting destination where mums, dads and kids can share a family holiday, or an indulgent, luxury escape, Fiji has it all. Expedia.com.au has many great deals such as:
The Pearl South Pacific 4 Stars from $1140.
Package Inclusions
* Return Fiji flights
* 5 nights accommodation for two adults at The Pearl South Pacific
* Sample prices are per person twin-share

Make your dream come true.
Visit Travelbeen.com.au

Ashes Tour 2009

2009-06-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

In 2007, Australia swept England aside 5-0 in the most anticipated Ashes series, putting the nightmare of the 2005 Ashes tour behind them. England will be chomping at the bits to have a crack at the Australians on their home turf after being humiliated down under.

It's your chance to be witness to history. There are great tours still available but filling fast so hurry.

Premium Sports Tours These guys are the official Travel Agent for the ICC World Twenty20 England 2009, and the Official Travel Agent for the 1st and 3rd NPower Ashes Test 2009. The dates of the test are:
1st Test - Cardiff 8-12 July 2009
2nd Test - Lords 16-20 July 2009
3rd Test - Edgebaston 30 July - 3 August 2009
4th Test - Headingley 7 - 11 August 2009
5th Test - The Oval 20-24 August 2009

S portsNetHolidays.com Ashes Test - Lords Thursday, 16 July 2009 - Monday, 20 July 2009. Join Sportsnet Holidays as they embark on what promises to be a hot series in the northern summer. 2nd NPower Test. Package Includes six nights at the Copthorne Tara in London from 15th July 2009, breakfast daily, 4 Day Reserved Match Tickets and Sports Hat.

ASTSports.com The Ashes 2009 Tours are going like hot cakes, with an unprecedented 5th Tour option now released! As seen on TV- Join Merv Hughes, Kerry O'Keeffe and Terry Alderman on this tour of a lifetime! They have tours of all 5 tests, match packages, Lord's Weekends Packages and up to date informations about tickets, and current news on the squad for Ashes 2009.

PhilHoffmanTravel.com KG & The General Sports Show 2009 Ashes Cricket Tour. Join KG on a cricket lovers dream, the 2009 Ashes Cricket Tour. Full tour Includes flights; accommodation; a side trip to Dublin (between Tests) for some Guinness and Golf; reserved seats every day of the historical first Test in Cardiff & the second Test in Lords; pre Test match dinners at both Cardiff and Lords. NEW TOUR OPTIONS RELEASED from just $3,199 for 7 days including hotel, pre test match dinner and 5 days at the 1st Test!

viewlondon.co.uk If you are planning to book your own travel but looking for tickets to the Ashes, this site maybe able to help. 1st Ashes Cricket Test – Glamorgan Cricket Club Hospitality Corporate hospitality £369.00 + vat. 2nd Ashes Cricket Test – Lord’s Hospitality 2009 Corporate hospitality £279.00 + vat, 3rd Ashes Cricket Test – Edgbaston Hospitality Corporate hospitality £429.00 + vat 4th Ashes Cricket Test – Headingley Hospitality Corporate hospitality £289.00 + vat.

The Co-operative Travel Sports and Events They have a variety of packages for individuals & corporate hospitality to major cricketing events. Whether you enjoy the excitement of One-Day Internationals or the intensity of Test Cricket, there is something for all cricket lovers. They gave have packages covering the Test Series & the One-Day Internationals for the forthcoming tour of the West Indies including Jamaica, Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago.

Go on... you know you want to be there to support our boys.
Go to our site for more details, Travelbeen.com.au

Lake Eyre in flood - a sight to be seen!

2009-05-18T03:52:00.000-07:00

The massive Lake Eyre system covers an area of 9,690 square kilometres, roughly the size of Holland. Nearly one-sixth of Australia's landmass drains into Lake Eyre, but it has filled to capacity only three times in the past 150 years and it is in flood right now! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the inland sea of Australis in flood as well as the hundred of thousands of birds that have flocked to the lake.

South Australia Tourism Commission for current information about the flood waters & how to access the Lake this site is a great start. If you follow the links through to Lake Eyre section you'll find prefered tour operators for flights out to the Lake to full day tours.

Comfort Inn at Coober Pedy are running trips to Lake Eyre. Fully inclusive tours, supply lunch, morning and afternoon tea, comfortable air-conditioned 4WD vehicles. Pick up and return to your Comfortable 3-4 nights accommodation at the Comfort INN Coober Pedy. Bring along a shady hat, sunnies, walking shoes, insect repellent, smile and happy disposition. The scenery is spectacular and you never know what you may find out there.

Reef n Outback Rail Tours
Reef n Outback Rail Tours is a coach, rail & cruise travel business based in Noosa, Queensland, offering an exciting variety of tours within Australia and across the globe. The business has been operating for more than 15 years and was a founding tour operator into Outback Queensland.
3 Days Lake Eyre by Air Tour - Fully Escorted Air Tour from Brisbane to Lake Eyre return
Day 1. Sat: Private Flight from Brisbane to Birdsville
Day 2. Sun: Flight over Lake Eyre
Day 3. Mon: Explore Quilpie, return to Brisbane

6 Days 4WD & Lake Eyre Tour - Exclusive Escorted 4WD Tour ex Charleville to Lake Eyre
Day 1. Fri: Arrive Charleville
Day 2. Sat: Quilpie, Windorah
Day 3. Sun: Haddon Corner, Birdsville
Day 4. Mon: Big Red, Birsdville
Day 5: Tue: Lake Eyre Flight, Innamincka
Day 6. Wed: Flight to Burke & Wills "Dig Tree"

Pacific Island Travel: this site has a remarkably concise bio of the great man that the Lake is named after. Edward John Eyre (1815-1901), together with his aboriginal friend Wylie, was the first man to cross southern Australia from east to west, travelling across the Nullarbor Plain from Adelaide to Albany. Eyre travelled westward across what is now known as Eyre Peninsula and along the coast. They would have to travel 1 300 kilometres through harsh desolate country. There was little water and very few ways to reach the sea because of the huge cliffs. For a more remarkable facts and what this great man achieved check out this site.great in site into on the remarkable achievement of one man check out this site.

Air Adventure Australia AAA offers a series of day flights out to see Lake Eyre in Flood. The best way to see the water in the lake is from the air, you also get to explore the lake on the ground accompanied by the knowledge of a local aboriginal elder. Every seat on the plane has its own individual windowThis truly is one of natures wonders and it may be the only time in your lifetime that you will get to see such a site. There are many other tour companies that are offering tours and flights over Lake Eyre. For more information visit Travelbeen.au

Skiing & Snowboarding Holidays

2009-04-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year, when you have packed away the beach gear & thinking about your winter holidays.There are some great bargains to be had if you book early.There are many offers on either ski hire, lift passes or an extra night accommodation free. Travelbeen has wonderful inspiration for your next skiing holiday. Enjoy!

Perisher This is a great site for the latest in snow reports and hot deals. They have a current price list for the 2009 season. There is 15% savings on hiring, early bird savings on season passes, up to $150 off the normal season pass price, up to 30% on 3 and 5 Day Mountain Passes from 8 Sept to season end and 15% off on 5 and 6/7 day Mountain Passes from 7 Sept to season end plus Ski Sunday Afternoon for FREE!

The Official Victorian Tourism site is a great place to start planning your ski holiday Visi tVictoria. The Victorian High Country is some of the most beautiful alpine regions in Australia surrounding the major downhill ski resorts of Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham. The site lists all alpine resorts and links to their webs sites and great info on current road conditions in the high country. There is also an undated page for current accommodations specials.

On Snow Specialises in providing Holidays to Thredbo, Perisher and Jindabyne. It has great accommodation deals and packages covering all types of accommodation for your snow holiday; lodges, chalets, apartments, motels, ranging from budget to deluxe. Best of all they can package your accommodation with great deals on lifts, lessons, hire and even insurance.

The Snow Travel Company provide packaged snow holidays. They have expertise to offer you the best price, find the steepest runs, the fanciest accommodation, or whatever your requirements are to enjoy the mountains. They have standard packages available, or you can talk to them and create your own. They also have flexible options for group bookings.

SkiMax Is a wonderful guide to some of the best holiday packages in Australia. Here you will find a collection of the most sought after ski holiday product to Perisher Blue, Thredbo, Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek. Information on each resort includes mountain features and special highlights. They have negotiated exclusive deals for Qantas Frequent Flyers called Max Plus. These MaxPlus offers are highlighted throughout the Australian pages and offer substantial savings and bonus offers.

SnowCentral This is truly a one stop shop. Not only are they snow travel expert, but they are also one of the biggest ski and snowboard retailers in Australia. Check out their online shop for great gear and they have a second hand clothing and equipment section. Snowman Tours & Travel offers some of the best value snow holiday packages to virtually any alpine destination in the world.

AlpineWorld Established for over 28 years, Alpine World is Australia’s largest provider of international & domestic ski holidays and snow accommodation. With first hand experience and knowledge, their team of passionate skiers and riders will tailor your dream snow holiday. Alpine World offers a broad variety of snow accommodation including hotel, ski lodge, ski chalet and self-contained apartment style accommodation. Your ski holiday can be packaged with lift tickets, ski hire, ski tours, transfers, non-ski activities, stopovers and sight seeing options.

We hope that this is useful in helping you plan you next skiing holiday.

Short Breaks - a weekend can make all the difference!

2009-03-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mr Rudd many of us will be receiving a bonus.

Why not spoil yourself with a short break? Support local tourism while you are enjoying your well earned break. Head back to the office on Monday refreshed and ready for the working week - it's just doing your bit to keep the economy going!

Here at Travelbeen we have compiled some short breaks that are close to your door step.

A great place to start is lastminute.com.au.
lastminute.com.au offers a range of products and services including hotels, international flights, domestic flights, holidays, gifts, entertainment and experiences. They have great deals and is always worth a look for some last minute deals.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Austalia Tourism Commision
Official travel, accommodation and holiday planning site for South Australia - a brilliant blend of nature, wine, outback. A must see site if you are planing a short break in SA
The Barossa
The Barossa is a unique area just over an hour north of Adelaide. This site has been designed to help you discover, experience and enjoy the best of the Barossa. The combination of a rich European heritage and the fresh vitality of Australia is embodied in the lifestyle of the Barossa.
Premium wines, fine restaurants, magnificent old churches, wineries and cottages, traditional music, butchers and bakers, all in a peaceful rural setting where each season accentuates the beauty of the vineyards and the undulating hills.

Kangaroo Island

Located 126kms south of Adelaide in South Australia is one of Australia's finest nature based destinations and best kept secrets (110kms road trip from Adelaide to Cape Jervis and 16kms ferry trip from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island). Kangaroo Island is surrounded by magnificent, pristine beaches and with a third of the Island National park, it is a treasure trove of unspoilt wilderness areas teeming with fauna and flora seldom found elsewhere.
Another good site Kangaroo Island - this is a great place especially if you have children.

VICTORIA
Visit Victoria It will possibly come as no surprise to discover that driving the Great Ocean Road has been voted Victoria's favourite travel experience. Also in the top 10 is exploring Wilsons Promontory and taking part in the Great Victorian Bike Ride. Visit Victoria has a great list of short breaks that are easy travelling distance from Melbourne.

Ballarat is Victoria’s largest inland city with leafy boulevards lined with heritage buildings, and world-class attractions. Its contemporary heart is alive with restaurants, cafes, bars and boutique hotels.
Founded on innovation, determination and hard work, Ballarat is a captivating place where vivid history and mythology coalesce into the very essence of Australianism. See the web site for great accommodation ideas and places to eat

The White Hat
A useful little site that has a great guide to country & regional Victoria.

New Sotuh Wales
Blue Mountians
Discover a tempting combination of breathtaking nature, romantic accommodation, fine restaurants and indulgent shopping within two hours of Sydney, in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Listed National Park.
Breathe the fresh mountain air and relax, as you marvel at a majestic landscape of waterfalls and awe-inspiring sandstone escarpments. Indulge at restaurants renowned for their creative use of fresh, local produce. Unwind with a rejuvenating day spa treatment. This is an easy to use site that list accommodation, attractions, restaurants and cafes.

Bed and Breakfast and Farms Stay Regional NSW
From Berry to the Victorian Border, the South Coast NSW Region of New South Wales has much to offer with its abundance of pristine beaches, unspoiled natural bushland and clean waterways.
There is a wonderful assortment of Bed and Breakfasts including farm stays, romantic getaways and hotels.

CountryLink
Not fond of driving on holidays what about the train? CountryLink is your answer. CountryLink is part of the government-owned Rail Corporation New South Wales which also operates CityRail which provides the passenger rail service covering the greater Sydney region.
The web site details all the rail lines within NSW and has upto date timetables and a facility to book online.
A great way to get around.

Queensland
RACQ Travel Service a great refereence site if you are planning a road trip in QLD. With great maps available and accommodation and discount tickets for attractions it is a good place to start planning your short break.

Moolooaba
Mooloolaba and its surrounds have numerous attractions entertaining both young and old during their stay. Take advantage of this coastal destination and book in for a fishing tour, cruise on the canals, snorkel in the sea or joy ride on a jet ski.

Surfers Paradise Accomo dation is a holiday reservation system that has the best rates online and great last minute deals.

Tasmania
Tasmania Travel Company
Budget, Standard and Luxury Travel Vacation Holiday in Tasmania. Are you looking for the ultimate holiday? With tasmania.com you can fly to Tasmania, and then take any number of Tasmanian tours. You can take a bus tour, visit wilderness wonders, stay in exclusive accommodation, and enjoy the ultimate in luxury travel.
Pure Tasmania
Cradle Mountain Chateau, situated in alpine woodland adjacent to the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park. At Cradle Mountain Chateau, lace up your bushwalking boots and venture out from your luxury accommodation – see Gondwanan vegetation fringing mountain pools, hear the cry of currawongs in the forest, climb high and gaze across an ice-carved world.

Western Australia
Western Australia the official travel and tourism website for Western Australia where you'll find everything you need to know about planning your holiday in WA. Western Austalia boasts unspoilt beaches, amazing scenery, big blue skies and friendly faces.
Margaret River, a must see region is you are into wine, relaxation and beautiful scenery.
Expericene Perth While many destinations claim to have it all Perth simply lives it all - beautiful beaches, sunny weather, sumptuous food and a virtual smorgasbord of fun all year round. And best of all, everything’s on offer within a short drive of Perth's city centre. To discover more, visit Experience Perth.

Want more ideas on short breaks? Visit Travelbeen where you can search, bookmark and sort all your favourite travel sites.

Family Friendly Holidays

2009-03-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

Now is a great time to plan for your next family holiday.

There are literally hundreds of wonderful deals on offer at the moment. If you have young children and want a holiday outside of school holidays, or you are planning the next school break, Travelbeen has loads of site that will help you plan.

Here are just a few of our favourites!

South Australia The official South Australian website has a great section of things to do in SA that have a child friendly focus. "Forget the overpriced theme parks and the school holiday crowds you get eelsewhere. South Australia has all the ingredients for a family holiday with a difference - all at affordable prices. Try paddle boating along Adelaide's River Torrens. Have a picnic on one of our secluded beaches. Take the family fossicking for opals at Coober Pedy. Go for a ride on an steam train. Or relax on a houseboat on the Murray River, and watch the kids learn to water ski. There's countless opportunities for the whole family to play, to relax, and to learn. No matter what you choose, you'll get an unforgettable, authentic holiday - without the same old cartoon character rollercoasters and the same old holiday crowds."

KidsHolidayOnline is a fantastic resource if you have children and are in need of a holiday. The site offers child friendly accommodation suggestions, travel guides, packages and information, which all have a family focus. They also have an up to date 'Specials' section with particular interest if any of the airlines have a deals on children's flights.

Holiday with Kids - Family Travel specialists
This is a great site. It has a really user friendly menu allowing you to easily look up accommodation, school holiday activities, family holiday specials and even a great section for single parents holidaying with children. It is a good site to bookmark as they have weekly specials on flights and holidays package.

Harvey World Travel
In a section called "Great Deals" they often have family holiday specials. At the moment the focus is on New Zealand. Savings range from 50% off a cruise from Melbourne to New Zealand or a Queenstown Short Break Package that has a camper van option, a great deal when travelling with children.

Stella Hospitality Group
The Stella Group has a range of accommodation options, from the very luxurious, to the quick get away. It has a section that it updates regularly that focus on children. The focus this weeks is the FUN4KIDS FESTIVAL held at Warrnambool. "Held annually during the first week of the Victorian winter school holidays, the Fun4Kids Festival presents children with the unique opportunity to participate in an imaginative world of arts, hands-on workshops and exceptional live entertainment for children 2 to 12 years."

Australia Zoo
If it is an adventure that you are after there is no other zoo like Australia Zoo. As they say...
"We pack in stacks of wildlife action every day and move at a great rate of knots - there is always an exciting wildlife show to see, friendly and knowledgeable zoo keepers to chat with and heaps of drop-dead gorgeous animals that can't wait to get up close and personal with YOU!"
Tickets can be purchased on line to avoid any waiting on the day.

GoDo Australia. This is a really useful site if you are planning to visit a theme park. It features the vast majority of theme parks across Australia and the tickets for these can be purchased on line often at greatly reduced costs.

TakeABreak
This site has the ability to search under various categories e.g. pets or family. It lists all the school holidy dates for different states which is extremely handy if you are a parent of non-school age children as it is cheaper to book outside of school holidays!

There are many more great websites that concentrate on family frienly holiday that we have selected for you at out unique travel only search website.

All you need to do is visit our site at Travelbeen and seach for 'family holiday Austalia', or if you want a more refined seach you can just click onto accommodation or flights etc. and type in family holiday.

Bookmark the site. It's a great tool when you are planning for your next holiday.

Golfing holidays

2009-02-18T20:04:00.000-08:00

Planning a Golf Holiday? Here at Travelbeen we have searched our extensive travel only web site and have come up with a few ideas.

If you are looking to travel locally you may want to check out the Go Golfing web page. You can purchase discount golf vouchers for the golf course of your choice. All you have to do is select your preferred golf course, call the course to arrange your tee times and then print your Golf Vouchers on-line. It is that simple.
Go Golfing is Australia's biggest golf event, holiday and tour company. They have a team of experienced event managers and travel professionals to guarantee you the best rates and uncompromising service for all your golf and holiday needs.

Australian Tours for Sport (ATFS)

ATFS is a sports specialist travel agency that deals exclusively in packages and tickets to major sporting events. It has been operating since 1992. They carry packages and tickets for the US Masters.

Looking for tickets to The 2009 Australian PGA Championship? Then the Official site of Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast will be a great source of information and tickets. The Australian PGA Championship is played at the Hyatt Regency Coolum, which boasts a superbly challenging and very beautiful 18 hole course. The scenery of this course is stunning. Each hole has its own uniqueness - rolling linksland type holes run beside the Pacific Ocean, and the woodland holes are set in groves of native melaleuca and eucalyptus trees, parkland and rainforest.

If you are wanting to see the home of golf then St Andrews is your destination.
The Official Golf site of Scotland's National Tourism Organisation is a wealth of information. It can be found at Golf - Visit Scotland and has information on Scottish golf courses, Scotland’s regional golf passes, golfing events in Scotland, up to date Scottish golf news, details of golf operators, accommodation information for weekend golf breaks and itinerary suggestions for your trip.

Staying with the Scottish theme, another site that is worth a look is the Tourism Board of Ayrshire and Arran. It not only focus on golf in the region, which apparently boasts over 40 outstanding courses, but it also gives a great synopsis of the beautiful scenery, fascinating history, outdoor activities and accommodation that can be found in the area.

A really interesting site is First Golf. It is a Scandinavian bases site that makes it easier for people to find the golf course they are looking for in Scandinavia.
It has an interactive map that allows you to navigate with help of your cursor. You then can zoom by doubleclicking at your chosen destination for more information. Packages are available and include: accommodation, breakfast buffet, greenfee and prebooked tee-off times.
All packages can be booked online.

If you are trying to combine your love of golf while pleasing your partner then GolfAhoy golf vacation cruises may be the answer. This is a unique cruise that take the quandary out of keeping both of you happy. For the golf vacationer, you don't have to worry about losing your edge when going off on a cruise for a week or more. Most selected GolfAhoy cruise ships offer driving cages and putting "greens" to help keep your skills sharp. You can play ashore on almost every continent. If you are travelling to the Caribbean, Mexico, the British Isles, Bahamas, or Bermuda, golf is usually a GolfAhoy shore excursion option at least one day on the cruise.

For more wonderful golfing holiday ideas visit our web site at Travelbeen.

Travelbeen is a unique travel only search engine which make looking for that ideal holiday so much easier. Become a member of Travelbeen and keep upto date with the hottest travel web site.

Cruises - what a way to travel

2009-02-15T02:23:00.000-08:00

A cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways there is to travel and see the world.
This has been demonstrated over the last fifteen years by the enormous growth of the cruise industry throughout the world.

It is one of the most cost effective ways there is to travel. Most cruises either include round trip airfare from your home city to the port of embarkation or they have an “air/ sea” package available that greatly reduce the cost of getting to and from the ship.

Here at Travelbeen we have gathered what we believe to be a sites that warrant special mention.

Weather you are looking for a local cruise in the Whitsundays

or a cruise along the coast of Norway,

we are sure that you are will be able to find the right cruise on our specialised travel only search engine.

P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises Australia has won the National Travel Industry Award for “Best Cruise Operator” for the second year in a row. When you travel with P&O Cruises, there’s no more waiting in airports. No hotel arrangements to keep track of. Unpack your bags once and relax as your journey begins. This is your holiday, on your terms.

GoDo Australia
Cruising along Australia’s scenic waterways is an exciting experience. Choose from a range of Australia lunch cruises, Australia dinner cruises, Australia cocktail cruises, Australia sunset cruises and more! Enjoy the luxuries of the rich and famous as you set sail over Australia’s waterways. Choose your activity, the date and book online instantly or suggest a cruising experience when you buy a gift voucher as a present.

Cruisemart
Select from one of our wide range of special interest cruises

* Antarctica Cruises
* Gay Cruises
* River Cruising
* Small Ship Cruising
* Tall Ship Sailing
* World Cruises

Clean Cruising
With more Australians enjoying a cruise holiday each year, the demand for high quality cruise information is greater than ever before. As a leading online leisure agency, GlobeNet Travel set about developing a dedicated site to provide cruise passengers with the best research tools to find their perfect cruise. We're also looking for suitable partners in North America and Europe who can take the Clean Cruising concept to cruise passengers in these markets.

Orthodox Cruise Company
The main direction for business activities of C.C. "Orthodox" is the cruise vacations of foreign tourists in Russia and the organization of coastal excursions. But more importantly, through its Moscow representative office the company perform all kind of services for the reception of foreign tourists. Our company perform visa assistance, hotel placement, organization of any excursion program, ticket booking in the best theatres and provide transfer assistance (including meeting/sendoffs at/from the airport).

Expedia Cruise Ship Centers
A Cruise Tour will allow you to see everything from the fabulous ports of call along the coast to the magnificent cities and sights located inland. Cruise lines have streamlined their product so that you pay one price in exchange for two completely different travel experiences; one at sea and one on land. Plus, in most packages, the land tour portion also includes sightseeing activities with a local guide. Get the most out of your vacation and book a Cruise Tour today!

Bird Watching – Tours and Travel

2009-02-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

Is there a bird you have always dreamed of seeing? Are you seeking to combine adventure and travel with your Twitching passion?

We have pulled together a sample of travel websites / companies from the Travelbeen search engine that are both local and international that specialise in bird watching.

Australian Tours

One of the best bird watching travel site that we came across was the Northern Territory Official Site that can be found at Travel NT

This site has an up to date “Best Bird Watching Deal” section, which outlines tours offering to find a specific birds and what time of year they would most likely be found. It has the added advantage of separating the tours into savannah, floodplains and billabongs, desert and tropics so as you can focus in on specific birds.

Another impressive site for keen bird watchers is Jolly Goodfellows Bird Watching Australia

This site concentrates on the South Australian Riverland which is home to more than 230 of Australia's native bird species, some of which are rare and endangered.

International Tours

If it is more exotic species that you are seeking we found sites such as the Gambian Official Tourist Site a great resource.

Other site that you may find interesting are:

Kumul Lodge : Kumul Lodge is an environmental and biodiversity paradise in Papua New Guinea situated 2,861 metres / 8,869 feet above sea level. The Kumul Lodge is a birdwatchers, ecological and environmental tropical mountain paradise. Other birds which can be seen from the balcony of your room and of which you can make photos of include Crested Berrypecker, White Winged Robin, Tit Berrypecker , Brown Sicklebill and Ribbon Tailed Astrapia.

Bird Watching in Nepal :

Peace Nepal Treks: Nepal is blessed with a vast array of exceptionally rich bird life with total of over 850 species recorded . A diverse topography and climate has resulted in a variety of habitats within the country, which are home to over 8% of the Worlds total bird population. Nepal is a paradise for the birdwatcher.

From the lowland jungle of the Terrai and the Kosi Tappu barrage through dense rhododendron and Oak forest of the middle hills to the windswept plateaus of the high Himalaya there is always something to keep one twitching.

10 GREAT PLACES TO WATCH BIRDS TAKE FLIGHT
Colonial Coast Birding Trail, Georgia, Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Texas, Great River Birding Trail, Mississippi River basin states, Southeastern Arizona Birding Trail, Arizona, Central Coast Birding Trail, California, Great Washington Birding Trail, Washington, Great Florida Birding Trail, Florida, Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, Virginia, Lake Champlain Birding Trail, Vermont and New York

Myanmar Travel Information: Myanmar has, many endemic birds, endangered birds and other specialty birds, For the diversity of birdlife and for the adventure of birding unspoiled and little visited places in Myanmar, there are trips for Bird Watching. There are over 350 species of Birds in Myanmar and more of the migratory birds. There are one day trips for Bird Watching organized by your tour operator or you can also spend some more time for this event.

You can search for more great sites on Travelbeen, birdwatching.

If you want to add a travel website to the list then post it as a comment and/or submit it to the Travelbeen search engine

Day Spa and Spa Resorts

2009-02-05T14:44:00.000-08:00

Need a little incentive to get you through the working week? Feel like the New Year’s resolutions are starting to fade? Why not refocus and book yourself into a Day Spa or even better a Spa Resort for the weekend?

At Travelbeen we have pulled together a selection of Day Spa and Spa Resort that feature within our search engine.

With all the talk of economic doom and gloom a day of tranquillity many be just what you need. There are many Resorts offering fantastic packages at the moment. Whether you are looking for a day to pamper yourself, a weekend of tranquillity or a longer holiday to rest and rejuvenate, there is sure to be a resort that suits your needs

Further searches can be done on Travelbeen using the keywords spa resorts and day spas.

Peppers Salt Resort - Salt Village Resort

Discover the ultimate in beach holiday accommodation at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa. Set around a tranquil beach lagoon, Peppers Salt Resort & Spa is a landmark addition to Salt Village.

Woraburi Phuket Resort – Resort and Spa

Woraburi in Thai means Splendid City, where the happiness and fairies live. The Woraburi Phuket Resort & Spa is located on Karon Beach, on the edge of Andaman Sea. Rooms are well-designed, conductive to personal comfort and provides a relaxing atmosphere with its private balcony in all rooms. Large outdoor swimming pool is lying itself in the midst of guest room buildings.

Temptation Resort - Cancun Online

Temptation Resort and Spa is the perfect place to relax, have fun and socialize. This over 21 All Inclusive adults-only resort is ideal for open-minded singles or couples who want to let loose on vacation. The hotel features excellent recreational and entertainment activities, where guests can throw caution to the wind and experience life like never before!

Day Spa, Peppers - Stella Resorts Group

The Golden Door Spa at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa is the largest resort spa run by Australia's leading health and spa operator, The Golden Door. This world class luxury day spa features 16 treatment rooms set amongst beautiful gardens. With an extensive range of massage and beauty treatments for both men and women including facials, body wraps and polishes, massages and hydro baths, The Golden Door at Salt offers the ultimate in relaxation and pampering.

Camp Eden Health ... – Camp Eden Health Retreat Transformation is a common thread that weaves through Camp Eden Health Resort's philosophy. We have been helping our guests achieve their personal goals and make positive changes in their lives since 1984. Our philosophy of transformation is what makes Camp Eden Health Resort so unique - inspiring, educating and empowering our guests to transform their lives.

Dunk Island, Spa. - dunk-island.com

Set amongst lush, tropical gardens, the Spa of Peace & Plenty has been designed with pampering and total indulgence in mind - a sanctuary where guests exchange stressed states for tranquillity and embrace treatments that renew energies or evoke delicious relaxation.

Macedon Ranges, Hepburn Springs - Stella Resorts Group

Stella Hospitality Group can kick off your spa experience, creating the tranquil haven you seek in the heart of a region dedicated to health, rejuvenation and well-being. Hepburn Springs, just 90 minutes drive from Melbourne, elevates your spirit via its scenic beauty and the vast array of health treatments available.

Day Spa South West Australia... - Luxury Accommodation

Gypsy Meadows spa retreat offers you a very special place for rejuvenation, education and celebration. Our forest and farm location and dedicated healthy lifestyle facilities provide a myriad of activities and services. Evolve Naturally day spa delivers three of Australia’s most exquisite culturally dynamic spa experiences by fully qualified therapists and health practitioners whilst Vardos Wholefood Café offers tempting vegetarian lunches by day and a tapestry of locally sourced and organic spa cuisine on Friday and Saturday evenings

If you want to add a travel website to the list then post it as a comment and/or submit it to the Travelbeen search engine