Flight of the heat seekers

A report in the Sun Herald says that Bali is proving very popular with tourists looking for the chance to escape the cold winter weather, with demand up 200 per cent on last year, with the cold snap has causing a spike in demand for midwinter breaks.

With single-digit temperatures gripping Sydney in recent mornings, it’s little wonder travel organisations are reporting huge business in winter sun getaways, with travel.com saying bookings to sunny destinations overseas have increased as much as 200per cent on the same period last year.

The company’s bookings to Malaysia increased 267per cent, Kuala Lumpur 250per cent, Bali 200per cent, Thailand 28per cent and Honolulu 20per cent.

Bookings to the Gold and Sunshine coasts, Cairns and Darwin rose as much as 100per cent on the same period last year.

Savvy travellers are seeking bargains on newer horizons.

Hot this year is the deal offered by the Iririki Island Resort in Vanuatu with from $1990, you can get a return economy air fare with Qantas to Port Vila, seven nights’ accommodation for the price of five, tropical breakfast daily and airport-hotel transfers including a magic water taxi ride to the island. See http://www.iririki.com.

Qantas has other Vanuatu packages from $1325 to $2069, which include a daily beach massage, three meals a day and drinks.

The average winter temperature at Port Vila is 26 degrees – day and night – while the water temperature is just four degrees cooler. See http://www.qantas.com.au.

While tropical beaches and Asia-Pacific resorts are experiencing their best seasons ever, the same is true for snowbound alpine resorts.

Karsten Horne, of Sydney-based Reho Travel, says the cold snap has created demand for last-minute getaways. “People are seeking the sun – but not always where you might think,” he says.

“Many clients are embracing the winter and heading down to Perisher or Thredbo, with the ski resorts seeing the best snow for many years.”

“But it comes at a cost – most accommodation is already fully booked and what is left is at the very top end.”

Horne says Fiji and Thailand are his company’s most popular overseas destinations but he warns that travellers need to be flexible, as flights and accommodation are tight everywhere.”

“There has been lots of interest for Bali and Samoa and some for skiing in Queenstown, New Zealand,” he says. “But the snow is better here so, in the main, people are going overseas for a spot of heat.”

“Many of our corporate clients are adding an Asia stopover on to their Europe trip or stretching their time away to make the best of the weather in Europe – if company policy allows.”

A new release of business-class midweek specials to Fiji staying at upmarket resorts such as Vomo Island and Jean-Michel Cousteau have proved popular, with deals starting at $1338 plus taxes. See http://www.rehotravel.com.

Closer to home Accor has joined with Tourism Queensland and Virgin Blue in a stay-four-pay-three deal available at selected Ibis, All Seasons, Mercure, Grand Mercure and Novotel hotels and resorts across Queensland, priced from $351 per person.

In Accor’s luxury brand, Sofitel, there’s free breakfast for guests staying on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane or Cairns. See http://www.accorhotels.com.au.

Virgin Blue has flights to Queensland from $85 (ex Sydney). See http://www.virginblue.com.au.

There is also a midwinter trend for even shorter escapes by busy corporate executives and one that has found favour is a dash from the city with Sydney Seaplanes, this featuring scenic flights starting at $225 per person through to weekends in the Hunter Valley.  Using their exclusive airport at Rose Bay, clients can be in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine country in 30minutes.  Highlights include a thrilling water take-off, five-star accommodation, day spas, quality golf courses and world-class dining without escaping too far from home. See http://www.seaplanes.com.au.

Jetset suggests a different reason for seeking the winter sun – a four-night shopping package in Hong Kong valid to August 31 for $1099. It also offers a $1245 fare to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands and a six-night fly/stay deal at Hawaii’s Wyland Waikiki Hotel from $1908. See http://www.jetset.com.au.

Cable Beach at Broome is enjoying a sensational winter with midday temperatures in the high 20s. Virgin Blue has fares from Sydney from $339 and accommodation packages include five nights with breakfasts, three dinners, four day tours and transfers from $1055.

Virgin Blue also has fares to Samoa from $349. Check out the luxurious new Aggie Grey’s resort with its day spa and 18-hole golf course. See http://www.aggiegreys.com.

Escape Travel can take you clear across the Indian Ocean to the Veranda Grand Baie on Mauritius on a six-nights-for-$1729 deal including Air Mauritius flight, breakfast and dinner each day, water and land sports, airport charges and transfers.

Singapore is always warm, and always a magnet for shoppers and foodies. Escape Travel is offering two nights at the Stamford Hotel and seven nights plus one free night at the Magellan Sutera in Sabah from $2035. See http://www.escapetravel.com.au.

Report by The Mole and The Sun Herald