| Travelling during the Recession... |
| Written by Melanie McKay |
| Saturday, 02 May 2009 12:41 |
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So, we have hit a slump. But just because the world is in an economic downturn doesn’t mean our desire to travel has to stop. There are great deals to be had and hunting for these deals isn’t so hard. Special offers on flights and packages are being thrown at us as people decline international travel in favour of getting through this ‘recession’. But we aren’t going to let this recession stop us from travelling. I’ve done some research and found some sweet close to home recession friendly trips that we can all take.
A girls favourite weekend getaway shopping trip! Flights can be found as cheap as $183 one-way to Melbourne, $119 to Sydney and the Gold Coast from Auckland. Melbourne is my favourite destination with its historic city centre with beautiful arcades and lane-ways leading to sophisticated shopping and dining. There is something for everyone in this rambling city built either side of the Yarra River... and with Jersey Boys starting in July, there is no excuse not to end across the ditch to catch some theatre.  [ photo credit: troppo_fishing_adventures ] Destination PACIFIC ISLANDS Culture experience is the best part about travelling. I found a hot package to Samoa that includes flights and 7 nights accommodation all for $829. Staying in traditional Samoan accommodation the ‘Fale’ or luxury Resorts is your choice. There are some bargains to be had on flights to the Islands. Rarotonga and Tonga are also going cheap too! Let’s soak up the sun and surf while the sun is still treating us well.  Destination NEW ZEALAND Explore your own backyard and see what this country has to offer. From the deep south of the sparkling Queenstown and the Fjords to the Volcanic Plateau of Taupo, for a spot of fishing or skiing on Ruapehu. Domestic flights are at the cheapest they’ve been in a long time. You can grab a bargain to the main centres for $49 or less. My favourite is checking Grab-a-seat daily for hot offers that can hit as low as $10 one way! If you have joined the Twitter train like Grab-a-Seat have, go follow them and never miss a beat.  Destination U. S. OF A. Okay just one more, not so much close to home but this, I have to share. STA travel is offering return flights to New York from $1585. I am SO close to booking a trip. New York is an experience you’ll love, having traipsed all over Manhattan I can’t think of one bad point. The city is alive and amazing. Take in the view from the Empire State Building, ride the Staten Island ferry for a view of the Statue of Liberty or go shopping on 5th Avenue! And this just in $899 return to Los Angeles. Hello Hollywood. Meet you there? If any of these tickle your fancy head to Houseoftravel.co.nz or Statravel.com and check out these bargains for yourself. To also help reduce the impact on your credit cards and bank accounts, try staying at hostels instead of hotels, they aren’t as bad as you may think and you will meet other travellers. Maybe even grab a tent for that road-trip North or South. Also, lets try to ditch those fancy restaurants for fish and chips on the beach or pack a picnic lunch. Keyword, BUDGET! Have a certain budget for each day for food, activities and luxuries. You have to be strict about sticking to this! Otherwise you will find yourself phoning home begging your parents for a few dollars after you have maxed out the credit card... So, what are you going to do during this recession? |
