Beijing has certainly been in the spotlight recently and now that things have quietened down on the sporting front - tourism is back on the agenda.  We have seen the breathtaking images of China’s historic landmarks like the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Summer Palace.  But you really need to visit this bustling city to appreciate the enormity of these places, experience the sights and smells and intereact with the people.

Travelling around Beijing on the subway, or Underground Dragon, is the best way to get around the city.   Buses are crowded and slow and as there are about 150 different routes, very confusing.  Taxis have improved but it is still best to have your destination written in Chinese characters.  If you are in for adventure, then some hotels will rent out bicycles, or there are bike-hire shopfronts near the main tourist areas.

Explore the ‘Hutongs’ or back alleys of Beijing on foot, or take a rickshaw tour of the narrow, twisting, suburban streets.  Visit the Beijing Zoo and see the iconic Giant Pandas.  Shop at the new Silk Alley Market where everything is designer (and everything is fake!).  Dont stay up all night singing karaoke, get up early and visit the sights.

The Park Plaza Beijing is one of the most popular hotels, with a great location in Wangfujing commercial and shopping district and minutes from the major tourist attractions of The Imperial Place and Tian’anmen Square.  Contemporary and stylish decor, free internet and spectacular city views.  Rooms from AUD$110 per night.

If you like a hotel with romantic charm and historical character, stay at the Raffles Beijing on Chang An Avenue - one of the city’s most prestigious addresses.  The guest rooms are decorated in an elegant French style with Oriental accents of bright, textured fabrics and furnishings.  If you have time to relax you can use the gym, indoor squash and tennis courts, and the swimming pool (although you will need a bathing cap)!  Stay at this 5 star hotel for around AUD$300 per night including a hot buffet breakfast daily.

The Chinese economy is booming, and behind the skyline of construction and cranes lies an historic city steeped tradition and culture.  Make sure you have enough time to explore its fascinating past as well as its modern attractions (read: shopping!).

With so many action packed and adventure activities on the Gold Coast – theme parks,  waterparks, skydiving, jetboating  - it really doesn’t need a ‘fuel injection’ , but each year in October thousands of petrol heads descend on the region for the Gold Coast Indy 300.

The four day event begins with practice and qualifying rounds on Thursday for the Porsche and Formula 3 events, continues with the V8 Supercars Challenge, culminating on the Sunday with the IndyCar Series Race.  Promoted by tourism authorities as ‘96 hours of non-stop excitement’  the Gold Coast Indy 300 is 4 hot days and 4 cool nights of sensory overload – the smell of race fuel, the sound of cheering crowds, the feel of the roaring engines reverberating through your body, the feeling of excitement and tension of the traditional Ford vs Holden V8s… the taste of victory!

Even if you aren’t into Motorsports, there are plenty of Offtrack Events such as street parades, driver parades, family days, Miss Indy competition, Gala Ball and charity lunches plus bands and entertainment galore.

Accommodation can be scarce over this period – especially hotels inside the ‘race precinct’ between the Gold Coast Highway and The Esplanade.  If you do find somewhere, expect to pay a huge premium for the convenience and the race views.  You will also need to purchase an ‘On Track Accommodation Access’ ticket if you are staying in or visiting accommodation within the race precinct.  All tickets are available through Ticketek Australia.

The local Surfside Buslines network offers reliable local transport so you can confidently stay anywhere along the Gold Coast coastline – from Rainbow Bay on the Queensland/NSW border up to Main Beach and The Spit.  I like the area around Broadbeach as the beaches are safer and the streets not as crowded.  There are a lot of family resorts and restaurants around the area, plus easy access to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.

The Belle Maison Apartments are fantastic if you are travelling with the family or a group of friends.  Located just 200m walk to the beach, the apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen and the resort boats a heated pool and spa, tennis courts, gym, sauna and even a billiards table in the guest lounge.  A 3 bedroom apartment caters for 6 adults at around $60 per person per night.

Number one rule for booking hotels on the Gold Coast is book early as there is always something on – Indy 300, Schoolies, Magic Millions carnival, the nostalgic Wintersun Festival, Gold Coast Marathon, Triathlons, Surf LifeSaving Carnivals, Horse Racing.  Something for everyone!

The historic township of Broome is known for its Pearling industry, beautiful Cable Beach and as the gateway to Western Australia’s Kimberley region.  There are some fabulous historical sites such as the Japanese cemetery which is the largest Japanese cemetery in Australia and dates back to the early pearling days.  At Ganthaume Point you can view dinosaur footprints believed to be around 130million years old.  If you are after some bling, head for the Pearl Showrooms along the main street.

There are around 20 art galleries showcasing works by local Aboriginal artists.  Dining out is a treat with a few hip and funky cafes in town featuring a blend of local ingredients with Asian inspired flavours.  Head to Matsos Brewery for a refreshing Ginger Beer and a hot Indian curry.  Sit out on the verandah and enjoy the views over Roebuck Bay.  A couple of upmarket eateries are featuring pearl meat – similar to abalone flesh found in the oysters which cultivate the pearls.

Cable Beach is a 22km long stretch of beautiful white sandy beach.  Don’t walk too far north from the car park or you might find yourself at the nudist beach!  You will know when you get there.  If you want to kick back and sip on a cocktail while watching a fabulous sunset, head to the Sunset Bar and Cafe in the Cable Beach Club Resort. 

Catch a flick at Sun Pictures, the world’s oldest picture gardens established in 1916 and recently restored.  Sit outdoors on a deck chair and watch the latest release.  Dont be alarmed if you hear aircraft roaring overhead – they are situated right in the Broome Airport flight path.

For a bit of adventure, take a Turtle Bay Kayak Adventure and try to spot a sea turtle from your kayak.

Try to time your trip to Broome to co-incide with the natural phenomenon of Broome’s ‘Staircase to the Moon’ which occurs between March to October.  The full moon reflects off the mud-flats of Roebuck Bay at extreme low tide and creates the illusion of a staircase heading to the moon.  If you cant make it in time, take an Astronomy Experience Tour and use powerful telescopes to view the moon, planets and stars accompanied by educational and entertaining commentary.

If you want to stay in the city area of Broome – close to the shops, theatre etc try the Mercure Inn Continental Broome.  It is walking distance to central Broome, and a few minutes drive to Cable Beach.  Rooms from around $130 a night.

For a family resort close to the Cable Beach area, try the Seashells Resort Broome.  The resort has a large free-form heated swimming pool with separate heated spa,  and a childrens’ paddling pool and play area. Stay in a 2 bedroom self-contained apartment for 4 for around $230 a night.

With an activity for every type of holiday maker - beach lover, historian, shopaholic, photographer - Broome is a pearler of a place to visit!

The Great Ocean Road hugs the contours of Victoria’s rugged coast and is an inspiring coastal drive. If you have a convertible or motorbike the drive is just that little bit more thrilling!  The official start of the Great Ocean Road is at Torquay and covers around 250kms to Warrnambool.  Some like to do the return drive in a day, but the true way to appreciate the coastline and its remarkable scenery is to stay for a night, or two, or three and take your time.  There are plenty of places to stop along the way.

Torquay is Victoria’s surfing capital - home to the Bells Beach surfing carnival held each Easter, Surfworld surfing museum and Surf City Plaza where you can buy all your surfwear and accessories.  The Surf Coast Walk offers spectacular coastal views and the opportunity to view native birds and wildlife.

The resort town of Lorne is surrounded by the Otway Ranges and is a great base for bushwalking.  Of course swimming, surfing and fishing are all popular activities.  The road is spectacular with the forests of the Otway National Park on one side and the ocean out the other window.  Take a detour to Cape Otway which marks the western limits of Bass Strait.  Stay on the Lorne beachfront at the historic Mantra Erskine Beach in a Heritage room around $198 a night.

Once you emerge from the lush greenery of the Otways, the road again hugs the coast.  The views become even more spectacular with the remarkable coastline of Port Campbell National Park.  Explore the ‘Shipwreck Coast’ around the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge.   Around 160 ships ran aground in thick fog, rough seas and from the inhospitable coastline.

The Great Ocean Road joins up with the Princes Highway just outside Warrnambool.  There are great beaches and an attractive harbour area, as well as the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum.   Known as “Victoria’s Southern Right Whale Nursery” whales visit the region between June and September and there is a great viewing platform with binoculars, at Logan’s Beach.  Stay at the modern and hip Mantra Deep Blue in a Seascape room around AUD$160 per night. 

Although not officially on the Great Ocean Road, I suggest you drive the extra half hour to explore Port Fairy, home to over 50 National Trust listed buildings. Tour the Codrington Wind Farm; pick up a crayfish or some seafood at the wharf; take a boat cruise out to Lady Julia Percy Island or just let the kids run around the fabulous parks and playgrounds along the river.

If you are after a tropical island holiday for the family or honeymoon then try Vanuatu.  Officially known as the Republic of Vanuatu, this archipelago of 83 islands, is located in the South Pacific Ocean near Fiji, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands.  It is only around a 3 hour flight from the East Coast of Australia with Air Vanuatu.  You could even pop over for a long weekend.

Port Vila is the capital, on the main island of Efate.  There are beach and island resorts, mineral hot springs, cascading waterfalls and golf or horse-riding all within an hours drive.  Tanna Island is popular for its active volcano, gigantic Banyan Tree and wild horses.  Rainforest hikes, birdwatching and diving are best on Espiritu Santo.

Staying in Vanuatu doesnt have to cost the earth - there is a range of good quality budget priced hotels in town, but you will have to pay extra to be near the water.  The Moorings Hotel Port Vila is close to the harbour, and a 5 minute walk to the city centre.  This 3star hotel has a restaurant, cocktail bar and swimming pool.  The rooms are basic but clean with airconditioning and ensuite.  A bargain at just AUD$150 a night.

If you love to dive or snorkel, stay at Hideaway Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary.  A short bus and ferry ride from the city, this picture postcard tropical island is surrounded by coral and sandy beaches and turquoise water.  Stay in the 1 bedroom bungalows which can accommodate 4 guests, with ocean views and built in the ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style from local materials.  Enrol in a dive course, join the daily snorkel safari or lounge around on the beach sipping cocktails from the beach bar.  Stay for around AUD$250 a night.

If you are into something ‘quirky’ why not post a letter from the Underwater Post Office.  Purchase a special postcard from the island, fill it out on land, then swim down into the ocean to mail it!  The Vanuatu Post has also developed Volcano Post where you can post a volcano card with a volcano stamp from the top of the Yasur Live Volcano on Tanna.  Be careful though, dont fall in!

The city of Melbourne, Australia, is home to some of the biggest international and domestic sporting events ever staged.  As well as being the home of the Australian Football League, Melbourne is home to national sports teams such as NRL’s Melbourne Storm, A-League Soccer’s Melbourne Victory FC, Netball champions Melbourne Vixens and NBL’s Melbourne Tigers.  Each year the city hosts the AFL Grand Final, Australian Open Tennis, Spring Racing Carnival and the Australian F1 Grand Prix. 

Although the official AFL Headquarters is at Telstra Dome, the AFL Grand Final is held in September at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (affectionately known to us locals as ‘The G’).  The MCG is also referred to as the ‘Spiritual Home of Australian Sport’ with the original wooden Members stand built in 1854.   Over the years, the MCG has hosted the 1956 Olympics, 2006 Commonwealth Games,  football, cricket, tennis, rugby and has been used as a rock concert venue for Madonna, Michael Jackson, U2 and Elton John.  Even Pope John Paul II has held a service there.

The Australian Open is one of the four tennis Grand Slam events and is held in January each year at Melbourne Park.  The arena is located in Melbourne’s Sports Precinct surrounded by Olympic Park and Yarra Park.  It is just minutes from the city centre, a short 10 minute walk across Federation Square and down along the Yarra River.  Another multi-purpose venue, Melbourne Park also hosts rock concerts, monster trucks, ice skating shows and sporting events.

If you are attending a major event at the MCG or Melbourne Park, stay in the areas around East Melbourne or Richmond.  Try the Mantra on Jolimont around $160 per night.

The Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit at Albert Park hosts a round of the Formula 1 championships in March each year.  The street circuit curves around Albert Park Lake and as the roads are all public, you can test-drive the track in your own vehicle (mind the speed limits though, Fangio!).  It takes about 3 months to erect all the barriers, grandstands and fencing each year for the event.

If you are a coming to Melbourne for the Grand Prix, stay around Albert Park or St Kilda Road.  Check out the Bayview on the Park around $140 per night.

The Spring Racing Carnival is a series of Group One races held by local Melbourne metropolitan clubs Caulfield, Moonee Valley, Flemington and Sandown.  The most well known event is the Victoria Racing Club’s Spring Racing Carnival where you can attend the Victoria Derby, VRC Oaks or Stakes family day.  But the race that stops the nation is the Melbourne Cup, held on the first Tuesday in November. 

Stay at the Quest Flemington around $200 per night, or if you are staying with friends try a 3 bedroom apartment around $320 a night.

If you are sports mad, come to Melbourne any time of the year.  There is always something on!

London is one of the world’s most famous theatrical centres and taking in a show at London’s West End Theatre disctict is a must for anyone visiting London.  With musicals, comedies, dramas plus some of the longest running classics you are bound to find something you will enjoy.  Billy Elliott, Blood Brothers, Buddy, Chicago, Grease, Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Joseph, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, Wicked and the Lion King are just some of the big name shows.  Around 13million people attended the London theatres in 2007!

London’s main theatre district is in the heart of the West End of the city centre, hence the nickname.  The area contains around 40 major theatres and is often referred to as ‘Theatreland’.  The main theatre streets include Drury Lane, Shaftesbury Avenue and The Strand.  Most of the theatre buildings in the area are late Victorian or Edwardian and are major tourist attractions in their own right.  Many have great character and charm and feature luxurious facades with intricately detailed interiors. 

Among this famous theatre areas is a wide array of dining too.  Hundreds of restaurants line the streets, offering quick pre-theatre dinners and late night post-show entertainment.  Try Wagamama in Covent Garden for some noodles or head down to Bar Italia in Soho for a late night snack.

After dinner and a show, why not spend the night at the Strand Palace Hotel, London.  Located on the doorstep of London’s ‘Theatreland’ and in the heart of cosmpolitan Covent Garden, this hotel was originally built as an Art Deco showpiece and has been carefully modernised.  Sip on a cocktail at the Mask Bar before retiring to your Club Room with contemporary furnishings, plasma TV and dedicated Club check-in.  Standard rooms start at around GBP178 per night.

For a night of pure indulgence check into the Ritz Hotel, London.  This elegant hotel opened in 1906 and stands proud as an historical London icon.  The rooms and suites are decorated in Louis XVI furnishings alongside modern amenities and facilities.   Visit the Ritz Salon for a massage, facial or body treatment.  Standard rooms start at around GBP440 per night.

If a night at the Ritz, London is out of your budget at least make a reservation for the world famous ‘Tea at the Ritz’ (around GBP37 per person).  With a choice of several varieties of tea, finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, jam and clotted cream and a range of delicate pastries this is a truly civilised way to spend an afternoon.

According to Dr Stephen Leatherman (also known as “Dr Beach“), coastal scientist and Director of FIU’s Laboratory for Coastal Research, the best beach in America is Caladesi Island State Park in Florida.

Hmmm a little biased you’re thinking, being on his home turf and all?  Not so.  Each year Dr Leatherman rates America’s beaches against fifty different and objective criteria including sand and water quality, facilities and environmental management.  And the winners are (ranked in order of nirvana to best beach)…

TOP 10 BEACHES 2008

1. Caladesi Island State Park Clearwater/Dunedin, Florida

2. Hanalei Beach Kauai, Hawaii

3. Siesta Beach Sarasota, Florida

4. Coopers Beach Southampton, New York

5. Coronado Beach San Diego, California

6. Main Beach East Hampton, New York

7. Hamoa Beach Maui, Hawaii

8. Cape Hatteras Outer Banks of North Carolina

9. Cape Florida State Park Key Biscayne, Florida

10. Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina

You might be lucky enough to live in one of these beautiful locations, but for the rest of us, click on the links above to check out our hot hotel deals.  If you prefer a one stop shop for all your travel needs, we have Holiday Packages ex all major cities including flights, hotel, taxes and fees.  Click here to search our Holiday Packages.

Nantucket Island, MA was once one of the world’s top whaling ports.  This 50 square-mile island dotted with windswept beaches, twinkling lighthouses, and sand dunes is now a Designated Historical District.  If you are coming over on the HyLine ferry from Hyannis, leave the car behind.  Travel by bicycle like the locals do (hire one from the Nantucket Bike Shop because they have the best tyres and suspension), or take the shuttle bus.  Visit the old seaside cottages, whaling captains mansions, quaint inns and boutique stores.  Swim, fish or surf. 

Stay at the Jared Coffin House right in the centre of town.  The original building dates back to 1845 and built as a family residence for Jared Coffin, one of the most successful ship owners of the time.  Classic American furnishings of overstuffed sofas in the library, rich furnishings in the lobby and the soft furnishings and crisp white linens in the bedrooms.

Nantucket is famous for being the departure port for Ahab’s whaling ship in the classic novel Moby Dick; the TV series Wings was based around the Nantucket airport; Marge Simpson once wrote a novel about boating in Nantucket and the 1996 movie ‘To Gillian on her 37th Birthday’ was filmed and based on Nantucket. 

Top attractions include the Whaling Museum, Nantucket Life-Saving Museum, Brant Point Lighthouse, Surfside Beach, Cranberry bogs and the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.

There are more than 60 places to eat on the island.  My favourites are grabbing a cherry soda float at the old Congdons Pharmacy Soda Fountain; a burger from The Brotherhood; a late breakfast at Black-Eyed Susans and dancing the night away with a few Millers at Captain Tobys. 

Nantucket has a truly unique atmosphere.  The cobble-stone lined Main Street, shingled houses with rooftop ‘widows walk’ and bicycles parked everywhere!  It has been 10 years since I spent 6 months living and working here and the memories still linger.  The legend says toss a coin off the ferry as you pass Brant Point Lighthouse to return safely - I did, and I hope I do one day!

I have been spoiled over the years and usually stay in the best hotels around the world.  I am certainly not one for roughing it, but I did not believe that you could find luxury in the Australian Outback!

The Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru is actually a group of 5 hotels plus a campground offering powered sites and air-conditioned cabins.  The hotels range from the family friendly Emu Walk Apartments, the modern Lost Camel Hotel, the authentic Outback Pioneer Lodge and Hotel right through to my favourite - the 5 star Voyages Sails in the Desert.  After a hard day riding a camel across the desert dunes and exploring Uluru and the Kata Tjuta National Park, I am in need of a little relaxation and perhaps some pampering.  The Red Ochre Spa is a new feature of the resort and designed for total indulgence.  At night, feast at the buffet-style Winkiku Restaurant and sip on a cocktail by the pool. 

As you head out on the main highway between Ayers Rock Resort and Alice Springs, you will find Kings Canyon Resort.  It is located just 7 kilometres from Watarrka National Park, the home of the magical sandstone formation of Kings Canyon.  There are different types of accommodation - from budget rooms in the Lodge through to deluxe rooms in the main resort.  Explore the wonders of Kings Canyon including the amazing rock formation called the Lost City and the Garden of Eden, then relax by the pool before heading out to the Sounds of Firelight dinner.  Sit by a crackling fire and enjoy six delicious courses and flawless service, all set against a backdrop of a star-speckled night.

If you find yourself in the Top End around Kakadu National Park, head for the Holiday Inn Gagudju Crocodile.  There are no crocodiles here though, just this unique hotel shaped like a crocodile.  Explore Kakadu, Jabiru, Arnhem Land and Jim Jim Falls (in season).  The Escarpment Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is located in the ‘head’ of the crocodile and features sumptous buffet and a-la-carte dining. 

Activities in the Northern Territory range from Helicopter flights and Harley rides through to guided walks and sunrise tours.  Something for everyone!