JD, Annabelle & the trip of a lifetime interrupted
September 8, 2020
A Travel Agent Hero Story
Read MoreIf you’re looking for potential last minute travel hints for the coming holidays, then look no further than Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 Best Value list. They have traversed the world to come up with these handy suggestions for those on a budget.
So, let’s investigate the Lonelyplanet.com suggestions for those planning their last minute vacations for any upcoming holidays. Speak to your nearest ATAS accredited travel agent, and get the ball rolling asap, so you can secure the best flight and accommodation deals for your holidays now and beyond. The key is the sooner the better, so don’t delay and establish your plans today for the upcoming holiday period, before 2017 ends!
Estonia’s capital is compact, fashionable and terrific value. Explore one of Eastern Europe’s loveliest old towns on foot for free, stay in good-value dorms, guesthouses or private homes, and take in Baltic Sea views and a superb panorama of the city from the flat roof of the vast Linnahall (one of Tallinn’s best free things to do). Connected by budget flights from around Europe, the city isn’t a secret – but if you want a taste of Tallinn to yourself then head to Kalamaja, a fast-changing neighbourhood home to Telliskivi Creative City. The food trucks here offer Instagrammable fill-ups that won’t tax your wallet.
Over the past decade, the in-the-know independent travellers are increasingly heading to Lanzarote. Awaiting them is a well-developed infrastructure that makes it easy to find affordable lodgings, food and car rental. There’s plenty of no-nonsense holiday fun, but Lanzarote also revels in its uniqueness. The moon-like scenery of Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, unspoilt beaches of Órzola and black-sand wineries of La Geria reward those who come here for more than a traditional seaside break. In one small package you can explore César Manrique’s artistic and architectural footprint, follow stunning hiking trails, and enjoy unexpected and jaw-dropping views along many drives around Lanzarote.
For affordable and accessible adventures in Arizona, aim for simple roadside motels, then camp and hike. Visit Saguaro National Park on a day or overnight trip from Tucson. Over in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument you’ll find fewer fellow visitors to compete with for views. Shoulder season unlocks great value: visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon from March to May and September to October for cooler temperatures and lighter crowds. For the less crowded North Rim, go in May or October. Aim for Scottsdale’s spas and golf courses between June and August. Sure, it’s hot by day – but there’s always the poolside for those sizzling hours.
Spectacularly situated at 3660m, La Paz is one of South America’s best value places to linger, whether you’re keen on acclimatising, learning Spanish or simply enjoying the colourful street life and Andean setting. Budget-conscious travellers can get by on less than US$30 a day, eating at unforgettable markets and taking hiking and biking trips. La Paz also has a fast-emerging yet affordable upscale scene, epitomised by superb dining at places such as Gustu, founded by Noma’s Claus Meyer. Boutique hotels and hip coffee joints are popping up too, all at lower prices than their equivalents elsewhere. Move fast: La Paz is on the rise. Reach La Paz’s El Alto International Airport – the world’s highest, at 4061m – by flights from Miami and Washington DC.
Poland somehow manages to remain affordable and relatively under-visited. Sure, Kraków grabs the crowds, but you can explore here for less than in Prague or Berlin. Beyond Kraków is a roll-call of Europe’s least-appreciated highlights. In the north, explore Gdańsk’s rebuilt old town and haunting coastal scenery. Elsewhere, Lublin, Toruń and Tarnów's historical beauty (free from large numbers of visitors) can form the basis of a wonderful week. If you have more time, consider exploring the mountain playground around budget-friendly Zakopane or bison-spotting in Białowieża National Park. Inexpensive train and bus connections, keenly priced food and beer, plus budget places to stay complete the picture.
Love Morocco? Been to Marrakesh? Us too. If you’re seeking another, still affordable side of this safe slice of north Africa then Essaouira might just be the place for you. A popular day trip from Marrakesh itself, Essaouira can now be reached direct by low-cost flights from the UK and France. The walled city’s narrow alleyways, traditional hammams and medina pile on the sensory delight. The breeze allows for superb wind and kitesurfing, as well as bracing beach strolls. Characterful riads are affordable, especially if you’re travelling with family or a group. Best of all, the food is sensational even on a low budget, in particular the just-landed seafood.
While the UK government busies itself with Brexit, travellers can reap the rewards. The immediate result of 2016’s referendum on EU membership was the pound weakening against pretty much all currencies: good news for those of us planning a trip to London, not traditionally a paradise for frugal adventurers. Make the exchange rate work even harder by aiming for Devon, Cornwall and big-ticket cities such as Bath, York and Edinburgh (they’re cheaper outside school holidays like Easter, July and August). Keep an eye on currency fluctuations, but the most likely scenario is that the UK stays affordable to international visitors – at least until a true picture of the post-Brexit landscape emerges.
It’s the world’s second-longest peninsula; but for many, visiting Baja California still means a quick hop over the border into Tijuana or Tecate – meaning there’s 1200km of less-explored territory. True, prices can be higher here than in other parts of Mexico due to the relative remoteness of Baja. But if you’re coming from the US, you’ll be saving money by travelling here. In the north, the wine route through the Valle de Guadalupe is like Napa but a lot cheaper. Meanwhile, towns such as Todos Santos, Loreto, San Ignacio, Mulegé and La Paz are authentically Mexican and feature great-value accommodation.
Jax, as locals call it, hasn’t drawn international praise like other destinations in Florida – despite 35km of beaches, surfing, art and live music. There are long stretches of the St Johns River, the Intracoastal Waterway and America’s largest urban park system to explore on foot, by bike or, best of all, on a guided kayak tour. Barbecue joints and beachside cafes offer good-value and family-friendly dining, while a pint of craft beer at one of eight local breweries can be priced as low as $3.50. Not only is Jacksonville affordable for sleeping (with the lowest hotel rates in the state), but you can feel as if you’re discovering somewhere new.
Hunan’s highlights come thick and fast. At Zhangjiajie, an amazing sandstone canyon with almost 250 bizarrely shaped peaks, the world’s longest glass bridge opened in 2016. Another don’t-miss is Fenghuang, a stunning historic town that quite literally hangs over the Tuo River. If you’re not sold yet, the provincial capital Changsha happened to be Mao Zedong’s home town. This being China, costs can be very low indeed: budget meals and accommodation are in the sub-$10 range, and even slap-up servings of fiery Hunan cuisine in the flashiest Changsha digs cost not much more than double that.
Riddells Creek
RIDDELLS CREEK , VIC
Shop 14, Centro Armidale
225 Beardy Street
ARMIDALE , NSW
Shop 44, Capalaba Central Shopping Centre
Moreton Bay Road
CAPALABA , QLD
Shop 2, Garrison Building
26 Clarence Street
PORT MACQUARIE , NSW
20 Wynnum Road
NORMAN PARK , QLD
Unit 6, Quality Centre
93 Mawson Place
MAWSON , ACT
Level 1, 35 Grafton Street
BONDI JUNCTION , NSW
22 Kenthurst Rd
ROUND CORNER , NSW
Shop 10 Seven Hills Plaza
224 Prospect Highway
SEVEN HILLS , NSW
3/75 King Street
CABOOLTURE , QLD
Level 1, 36 Portman Street
OAKLEIGH , VIC
Shop 2, 25 John St
WARNERS BAY , NSW
Level 1, 339 King William Street
ADELAIDE , SA
165 South Creek Road
CROMER , NSW
Shop 4, Ocean Village Shopping Centre
Kilpa Court
CITY BEACH , WA
Units 9 &10 Dennis Court
8 Dennis Road
Springwood , QLD
302/8-10 Murphy Street
SOUTH YARRA , VIC
Shop TD.01B
Hope Island Market Place
99-103 Broadwater Ave
HOPE ISLAND , QLD
By Appointment Only
219 Sunnydene Road
CHANDLER , QLD
Shop 2
No 20 Scarborough Street
SOUTHPORT , QLD
Shop 1013, Westpoint Shopping Centre
BLACKTOWN , NSW
22/17 Eramosa Road West
SOMERVILLE , VIC
Suite 548, UL40 Level 2
1341 Dandenong Road
CHADSTONE , VIC
Level 14, 22 Market Street
SYDNEY , NSW
Level 10
303 Coronation Drive
MILTON , QLD
Level 3, 35 Grafton Street
BONDI JUNCTION , NSW
17 Pinkwood Drive
ASHMORE , QLD
62 Little Malop St
GEELONG , VIC
109b Conyngham Street
FREWVILLE , SA
58 Ferguson Street
WILLIAMSTOWN , VIC
70 Pasadena Street
MONTEREY , NSW
33, Ballina Crescent
PORT MACQUARIE , NSW
Shop 2123 Westfield Fountain Gate
352 Princes Highway
NARRE WARREN , VIC
Shop 147
Elizabeth Shopping Centre
ELIZABETH , SA
24 Bougainville St
Manuka
CANBERRA , ACT
Shop 33 Newcomb Central
71 Bellarine Highway
Newcomb
GEELONG , VIC
Shop 807
Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre
WAURN PONDS , VIC
Shop 3 Naturaliste Forum
DUNSBOROUGH , WA
75 Franklin Street
TRARALGON , VIC
(Temporary) 402 Balcombe Road
BEAUMARIS , VIC
Shop 91A The Pines S/C
DONCASTER EAST , VIC
Level 8, 309 Pitt Street
SYDNEY , NSW
67 Astor Terrace
SPRING HILL , QLD
150 Upper Heidelberg Road
IVANHOE , VIC
Shop 3, The Co-Op Heart of the Barossa
1 Murray Street
NURIOOTPA , SA
18 Macedon Road
LOWER TEMPLESTOWE , VIC
Shop 1, 101-107 Murray Street
GAWLER , SA
Weston Arcade
Brierly Street
WESTON , ACT
Imperial Shopping Centre
171 Mann Street
GOSFORD , NSW
U 121 1 QUEENSBERRY ST,
CARLTON , VIC
49 Main Street
EASTWOOD , SA
301a Foggo Road
MCLAREN VALE , SA
18 Custance St
MIDDLETON GRANGE , NSW
Shop 33, Deepwater Plaza
WOY WOY , NSW
66-68 Goandra Drive
OCEAN GROVE , VIC
Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre
Phillip Street
MACKAY , QLD
Shop 31, Westfield Shopping Centre
WEST LAKES , SA
Suite 23,799 Springvale Rd
Mulgrave
MULGRAVE , VIC
230 Como Parade West
PARKDALE , VIC
231 Lower Heidelberg Road
IVANHOE EAST , VIC
Shop 2042 Westfield Marion
297 Diagonal Road
OAKLANDS PARK , SA
Ground Level, The Precinct
12 Browning Street
WEST END , QLD
T05a, 222 Fischer Street
TORQUAY , VIC
Shop 14A
55 Old Princes Highway
BEACONSFIELD , VIC
156 Union Road
SURREY HILLS , VIC
Shop 55/400 Stafford Road
STAFFORD , QLD
Ground Floor
215 Newcastle Street
EAST MAITLAND , NSW
6 Pioneer Place
KATOOMBA , NSW
Shop 50A, Vermont South Shopping Centre
495 Burwood Highway
VERMONT SOUTH , VIC
60 Kuran Street
CHERMSIDE , QLD
Shop 41 Mountain Gate S/C
FERNTREE GULLY , VIC
180 Bellair Street
KENSINGTON , VIC
Suite 1 (Rear Entrance)
10-12 Chapel Street
BLACKBURN , VIC
19 Alderley Street
RANGEVILLE , QLD
shop 2004
Westfield
297 Diagonal Rd
OAKLANDS PARK , SA
Unit W3D1A, Level 3, Building 2
75 O'Riordan Street
ALEXANDRIA , NSW
Level 3, IBM Building
1060 Hay Street
WEST PERTH , WA
Suite 2, 4th Floor
828 Pacific Hwy
GORDON , NSW
182 Barker Street
CASTLEMAINE , VIC
Shop 7 , 77 Camelia Avenue
EVERTON HILLS , QLD
1 Garrawantara Street
BLACKSMITHS , NSW
5/220 Varsity Parade
VARSITY LAKES , QLD
9/144-148 NICHOLSON STREET
FOOTSCRAY , VIC
433 Elizabeth Avenue
KIPPA RING , QLD
Cnr Bolsover & Denham Street
ROCKHAMPTON , QLD
Shop 149
Elizabeth Shopping Centre
ELIZABETH , SA
Shop 14, Kiama Village
Shopping Centre
Terralong Street
KIAMA , NSW
Suite 110, Level 1
410 Elizabeth Street
SURRY HILLS , NSW
The Gap Village
Shop 12/1000 Waterworks Road
THE GAP , QLD
Waldorf Building
Suite 6, 155 Fitzroy Street
ST KILDA , VIC
R068 Corner Boneo Road & McCombe Street
ROSEBUD , VIC
Shop 316B, Redbank Plaza Shopping Centre
1 Collingwood Drive
REDBANK , QLD
PO BOX 402
ASCOT VALE , VIC
Shop 3B Burpengary Plaza
Station Rd
BURPENGARY , QLD
Global Travel Specialists- Mobile
GILEAD CAMPBELLTOWN , NSW
Suite 5 West Wing Level 2
Fortune Place
2 Fortune Street
COOMERA , QLD
Shop 4
Worongary Shopping Village
1 Mudgeeraba Road
WORONGARY , QLD
12 Pirie Street
ADELAIDE , SA
2b/58 Railway Street
MUDGEERABA , QLD
4/16 Lanyana Way
NOOSA HEADS , QLD
Level 1, Suite 104A
55 Grafton Street
Bondi Junction
SYDNEY , NSW
Shop T, Heritage Shopping Centre
Nanum
WEIPA , QLD
47 New Canterbury Rd
PETERSHAM , NSW
Shop 9ABC
1020 North East Road
MODBURY , SA
159 Burgundy Street
HEIDELBERG , VIC
118 Edinburgh Road
CASTLECRAG , NSW
Centro Colonnades
Beach Road
NOARLUNGA CENTRE , SA
10-12 / 46-52 Ocean Street
VICTOR HARBOR , SA
Suite 110, Level 1
410 Elizabeth Street
SURRY HILLS , NSW
Level 26
44 Market Street
SYDNEY , NSW
3 Boyd Street
DANDENONG NORTH , VIC
66 Doncaster Road
BALWYN NORTH , VIC
Bayside Village Shopping Centre
Cnr Jetty and Brighton Road
GLENELG , SA
Shop 1037 Australia Fair Shopping Centre
42 Marine Parade
SOUTHPORT , QLD
Shop 12
3050 Frankston Flinders Road
BALNARRING , VIC
423 Whitehorse Rd
BALWYN , VIC
Shop 20, Westfield Tea Tree Plaza
976 North East Road
MODBURY , SA
6 Transvaal Avenue
DOUBLE BAY , NSW
1/25 Little Oxford Street
Collingwood
MELBOURNE , VIC
Level 21
233 Castlereagh Street
SYDNEY , NSW
Level 3
85 Macquarie St
HOBART , TAS
Shop 20a, Booval Fair Shopping Centre
Brisbane Road
BOOVAL , QLD
Suite 9002, Level 9, 619 Doncaster Rd
Westfield Office Tower
Doncaster , VIC
310 Punchbowl Rd,
BELFIELD , NSW
Level 5
309 Kent Street
SYDNEY , NSW
PO BOX H49
Australia Square
SYDNEY , NSW
P.O.Box 7220
GARDENVALE , VIC
Shop 10
350 Pakington St
NEWTOWN , VIC
2/197 Military Road
NEUTRAL BAY , NSW
Level 2, Suite 221
4 Columbia Court
BAULKHAM HILLS , NSW
Shop 6
2 Burwood Highway
EAST BURWOOD , VIC
2/11 Rawson Street
WOLLONGONG , NSW
616 - 622 Smith Street
CLIFTON HILL , VIC
Level 2, Suite 2002,
619 Doncaster Road,
Westfield Doncaster Office Tower
Doncaster , VIC
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