Ever heard of cultural cross-training? Probably not, because we just made it up. Two reasons – the world desperately needs more jargon. But more importantly, there just happens to be some exceptionally cool fit’n'fun holiday ideas across Asia. You can cycle for sushi, run for a rendang or even climb for a chilli on our sweaty hotel stays. Check in and check it out… Read more »

It’s tax time again so we know what that means - receipt hunting, number crunching, book balancing, yawn! Tell the accountant to stick this in his calculator: You + Exclusive Hotel Deals = Well-deserved holiday in heavenly, sunny Malaysia. From free breakfasts to free nights to orangutan sized discounts, these specials are guaranteed to put a smile on any bean counter’s dial.   Read more »

Flash! Be blinded by the thrill of fame with celebrity-themed holidays in Asia. As the paparazzi circle and the scandals unfold, be right in the thick of the action as you stay with the stars, sashay with some shopping and be treated in red carpet style. Read more »

Want to get high? Then it’s time to experience altitude with attitude at our high-rise hotspots of Asia. Look down and feel the rush from revolving towers, skyscrapers, mountains and record-breaking buildings with these incredible hotel and tour experiences.

Get into a slow spin on the world’s largest observation wheel—the Singapore Flyer - towering 165 meters above ground, 30 metres higher than the London Eye. Take that England! In the 30 minute flight after sunset, you can gaze over Singapore’s amazing skyline while sipping Moet from a flute. The giddiness of such grandness glides you gently back to the Rendezvous Hotel Singapore where you can enjoy a famous Singapore Sling at the Palong bar.

A soaring soiree is to be had with a special dinner at the Seri Angkasa revolving restaurant in Asia’s tallest tower, the KL Tower of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The changing view at 1,380 feet (421 meters) keeps conversation bubbling, where you can trade stories about your first port of call, the central market tour. And you won’t have far to walk back to the Hotel Equatorial.

Mountains of magnificence await you during the Mt Fuji Day trip including Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise from Tokyo, which also includes a ride on the aerial cableway at Mount Komagatake. Take in exhilarating views atop Mt Fuji’s fifth station at 7,607 feet (2,305 meters), where you can stop for lunch at a choice of restaurants. Keep the high alive by staying at Tokyo’s tallest hotel—the Tokyo Dome, with its 43 storeys above the city with views to Mt Fuji and Tokyo Bay.

The city views from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong are a delight with the Dinner on Lamma Island and Hong Kong Lights tour. Begin the tour with a ferry ride to the bustling fishing village on Lamma Island for a seafood dinner, then take a short trip up to the Mid-Levels Lookout of Victoria Peak to see the symphony of Hong Kong’s lights. Live it up luminously at the Langham Place Hotel in Hong Kong, which has a rooftop swimming pool 42 storeys above the Mongkok area.

It really is a new world up high at the New World Hotel in Beijing—located in the city’s tallest structure (52 storeys). Continue living the high life with an array of luxury amenities and services incuding pool, spa, sauna, steam room, massage service and beauty salon.

Airline travel at any time of year can be a constant string of waiting around - arriving at the airport up to 3 hours before your flight, long security queues, baggage screening, liquid and gel restrictions – but as we head into the busy holiday season its time to plan for your airport experience.   Some trips can involve less time actually flying than spent at the airport pre-departure and post-arrival.  One of the most arduous parts of your flight can be the wait in a stuffy, crowded airport departure lounge.

If you have an early morning departure, why not stay at the airport?  Many major international airports have hotels connected to or actually within the airport terminal.  An additional expense you might say, but I would rather spend a few extra dollars than miss the first flight of my long-haul, 3 stopover, tight connection flight to my holiday destination.  Plus you get an extra day of holiday time.

In Melbourne, it takes less than a minute to walk along the undercover walkway to the Hilton Melbourne Airport.  The hotel building is completely soundproofed so you cant hear the planes, but it is fantastic to watch the twinkling lights as they take off at night.  There is in-room flight information plus all the facilities of a 5 star Hilton – 24 hour room service, gym, business centre, pool/spa/sauna.  Why not check in for your flight then go back to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast.  There are also a range of airport hotels in the suburbs around Tullamarine airport.

The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel is actually within the international terminal – just take the elevator from the hotel to the International Departures area.  Talk about location, location, location.  Featuring spacious floor-to-ceiling soundproof windows offering views over the mountains or ocean, a high-tech electronic system providing fingertip control over everything from temperature to lighting, and even a Health Club and Spa.  You might want to stay for more than a night.

But what do you do if you have a long connection time between your flights?  You may not be permitted to leave the airport area, and you envy those businessmen with their airline memberships allowing them access to the airport lounges.  After many long hours travel with movement constraint onboard a plane, nothing is more inviting than to come into a clean, tranquil, cozy and spacious environment – and many airports are offering public lounges.  You can purchase entry passes before you fly.

The Travellers Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport is open to all travellers regardless of airline or class of travel.  It is open 24hours/365 days and offers comfortable seating, international food & bevereges, bathroom facilities with showers, internet access, international newspapers/magazines/TV, luggage storage, even free local phone calls.  You can buy a pass for 2 hours use for around AUD$30.

In Kuala Lumpur the Plaza Premium Lounge is located at the Satellite Building that caters for international arrivals and departures in Kuala Lumpur International Airport.  Facilities provided include high speed Internet workstations, a variety of food and beverages, shower amenities, golf putting, the latest movies and international magazines/newspapers.  There are several pass options ranging from a 2 hour day pass for around AUD$35 to a 6 hour day package including a 15 minute seated massage for around AUD$60.

Singapore’s Changi Airport houses the Plaza Premium Lounge on the 3rd Level Departure/Transit Lounge in Terminal 2.  The self service buffet bar is amply stocked with wholesome salads, freshly prepared finger sandwiches, pastries, cookies and seasonal local and imported fruits. Hot and cold beverages are readily available.  There is also internet and email access, bathrooms with shower facilities, international newspapers and magazines, and even free local phone calls.  For a small additional fee you can work out in the fully equipped gym (you can hire workout gear), have a massage, treat yourseslf to Oxygen Therapy or even have a manicure.  If you really need to catch up on some sleep, you can book a private ‘Napping Suite’ for up to 3 hours.   A 2 hours pass costs around AUD$30.

The passes are also a great gift idea for the organised traveller who already has all their luggage, adaptors and finances sorted.