克黑黑之旅（１）：航機篇
下個星期就出發去克黑黑之旅。克黑黑是指克羅地亞，黑山和波黑三個國家。八天三國行程，聽落好似好急，但其實三個國家鄰近，兩三個鐘頭車程就可來回。出發前跟大家share一下計劃今次旅程的資料。
香港沒有直航機去這三個國家，要去其他歐洲國家轉機，主要選擇包括Frankfurt, Paris, London等大機場。坐Lufthansa要在Frankfurt過一晚才可以轉機，去Paris的話就只可飛去克羅地亞的首都Zagreb，不近我想去的旅遊地區。因為我訂機票那段時間London機場罷工，我怕會延誤行程，就沒有考慮。想不到這星期輪到法國罷工，人算不如天算。研究完一輪都找不到好的flight connection，就決定先去Ireland玩幾日，再take個side trip去克黑黑。
由Ireland Dublin有兩間airlines，Ryanair和Aer Lingus飛去克羅地亞。
Ryanair是愛爾蘭的廉價airlines，不單只收費cheap，service亦cheap。Ryanair的收費真是層出不窮。Online booking用信用咭付款要收5歐羅administrative fee，online check-in要收5歐羅，如果不check-in online，去到機場check-in要收40歐羅。Online check-in時記緊要print boarding pass，因為去到機場再print又要收4歐羅。行李寄倉第一件15歐羅，第二件30歐羅。Ryanair不設劃位，要想提早登機，有priority boarding，盛惠4歐羅。Priority boarding是最無聊的privilege。Ryanair用的機場很多都是小型機場，乘客要自己由登機闡行上機。Priority boarding的老弱幼兒都未行到去飛機，已經被其他一般boarding的乘客爭先上機。更過份的是在大型的機場，因為Ryanair只會支付便宜的parking fee，所以飛機不會停在有air bridge connect to the plane的泊位，而要坐shuttle bus去飛機。Priority boarding只讓人早點上車，結果就被其他normal boarding passenger塞著下不了車，最遲才上到機。大家都緊張想早點上機，是因為個個都避免行李寄倉，帶著大包細包的hand carry luggage，遲上機就沒有位放行李。要跟幾個同行的人坐在一起就更加困難。我見過有個爸爸話找不到座位跟他的八歲兒子一齊坐。空姐走到他們身邊，只是黑着面說下一次他應該pay for priority boarding，沒有試圖幫他們揾位，最終要靠其他好心的乘客自願調位。在秩序混亂的國家，情況就更壞。例如波瀾人不喜歡排隊，一開始登機就一大群人蜂擁上前，令不熟悉當地文化的我以為早點排隊就可以早點登機，白白站了30分鐘，結果都差不多是最後一批人上機。機上所有東西都要錢買，食物飲料，包括水。自己帶食物是可以的，但就不准帶酒精飲品。最離譜是去toilet都要收費！不過Ryanair的最大好處是它準時紀錄良好，攪笑地當飛機一著陸，就會播首好像中了jackpot的congratulations music，話Ryanair是最準時的airline。
每一次我坐完Ryanair，都覺得it’s an airline best to avoid。但每一次見到它平得厲害的票價，又會話再忍多它一次。今次，平的Ryanair只需HK$1000，貴的Aer Lingus要超過HK$4000。雖然我不喜歡Ryanair，但我一向都不會跟自己的荷包作對，所以唯有又book了它。Airline cheap，我cheap，good fit~!
好興奮呀！
幫人證婚，給我機會接觸不同層面的人，認識新朋友，擴濶生活圈子。有時，會帶來意外收獲。
昨日約了一對上個月結婚的couple出來相聚，他們剛剛從克羅地亞和黑山honeymoon回來。我book了九月去這兩個國家，所以就想問下他們旅遊資料和推薦的好去處。平時多數是我提供旅遊資料給別人，今次有人去過這兩個都算冷門的地方，可以同我share，實在難得。
前南斯拉夫在90年初內戰後分裂，現在分為六個國家，克羅地亞和黑山就是沿海的兩個。黑山在2006年才成立，是世界上最新的一個國家。兩個國家雖然新成立，但有很多歷史悠久的建築，看似意大利南部紅瓦頂橙黃色外牆的小屋，沿海而建的村落。沿岸有很多島嶼，有少少似希臘，又有少少似西西里島。最吸引人的就是這些地方旅遊業還不太developed，除了七八月的high season以外，遊人不多，保留着傳統地中海的特式。
他們兩個說他們的honeymoon簡直perfect，風景優美，又relaxing。那兒的食物勁好味，克羅地亞有新鮮海鮮，黑山有大大份牛扒，最正就是價錢相宜，去最靚的餐廳都不會太貴，可以放胆豪飲豪吃。當我老公聽到他們說在酒吧飲啤酒只是港幣20元時，我可以看到他眼中的興奮！
昨晚令我眼裏充滿興奮的，是另一件事。這對couple的女仔在一間名牌時裝公司工作，是我其中一個最喜歡的牌子，平時我一定只會等減價才去逛逛。昨日她告訴我，她可以用她的personal quota幫我買東西，所有貨品全部五折。她說她的quota不多，所以只是especially for me！半價呀，我好興奮呀！
上海世博：值不值得去？
從上海世博之旅回來後，不斷地有朋友問我好不好玩，值不值得去。朋友們對於世博的好奇程度遠高於其他地方，我覺得很有趣。其實大家晚晚看無綫的上海世博行，都已經大致上遊覽完整個世博園區，所有精采的展館展品都已經了解得一清二楚，肯定比去到實地參觀時看得更多更詳盡。所以朋友們的問題核心不是指世博有甚麼好看，而是整個旅程的經驗感覺如何。
上海世博值不值得看？一定值得。所有展館都各有特色，聽說有很多展館都是由名師設計，沙特阿拉伯館更耗資超過十三億元建造，而大部份的展館都會在世博展覽期後就被拆卸，這幾個月不去看，就以後都没有機會。但問題是，中國人口實在太多，只要十分之一人去世博一次，都已經有一億人次。今次同我去上海的朋友中有其中兩個去過五年前在日本舉行的世博，他們說那次人少得多，遊人亦比較relax，可以慢慢行，同今次人山人海的場面完全不一樣。
那麼，上海世博值不值得去？我不敢肯定說，要視乎你的心態和耐力。上海世博是歷來最大規模的一次，展館最多，佔地廣闊，加上天氣炎熱，要參觀就要消耗大量體力，不是所有人都支持得住。但我覺得真正令人支持不住的，更可能是那種人多擠迫的場面。園區內人實在太多，滿地都覆蓋着人群和人龍，那股人龍供出來的熱氣，就算不是身在當中，走過旁邊都莫然感到恐怖。人流高峰時，就好似連續迫幾個鐘頭地鐡（包括不停在月台上趕轉車）一樣大壓迫感。怕熱，怕人迫，怕秩序亂，怕衞生情況差的人，基本上會一入園就已經會嚇到想走。參觀上海世博mentally比physically更加challenging。要進入及逗留在世博，就必須有良好的心理質素和正面的態度。
要玩得開心，就要找幾個充滿正能量的同伴一齊去。因為要調和身心的疲累，就需要同伴互相鼓勵，以團結的力量擊退打尖的人群，將其他遊人的奇怪荒誕行為當成我們的笑柄。有次遇上個小朋友在一個黑ma ma的展館內推人，我班friend就圍住他扮鬼叫，結果個個都忍不住笑，開心番晒。我這次能夠玩得咁開心，真是要在這裏特別多謝這班攪笑可愛又合得來的同遊。
所以，在此特別忠告，去非一般的旅程，必定要嚴選同行團友。昨天剛聽到一個人說，他的老婆一見人多，少少辛苦就會大喊十呱呱叫，所以就算免費他都不敢陪老婆去世博。聰明的你，記得要識揀！
一個地方好不好玩，值不值得去，不只在乎可以觀賞的風景名勝，更重要是去遊歷的過程。所以很多人在世博開幕前見到介紹都想去玩下，但開幕後看過報導都改變主意。但覺得上海世博好好玩的大有人在，我老公居然話想再去！
上海世博直擊報道
一連三日去了上海世博，happy to report， I survived！短短三日，我參觀了44個展館，取得驕人成績，所以想在這裏分享一下小小攻略和實戰經驗。
策略一：量力而為
做人做事最緊要量力而為。世博園區由早上9點開到晚上12點，要不停地走路15個小時，隨時體力透支。所以在入園前最好計劃好策略，prioritise想看甚麼，參觀幾長時間，亦要discipline，免得掛着參觀而忘記坐下來休息，飲水和進食。千萬不要以為可以看盡所有展館，園區那麼大，是不可能的事，就算你去很多天很多次，可以進入全部展館，亦未必enjoyable。貪心，眼闊肚窄或眼闊腳軟，只會自作自受，弄巧成拙。
策略二：熱門展館
很多人為了可以預約到熱門的展館，都會晨早入園去拿預約票，或者等一開園時狂奔到心儀的展館排隊。聽說有朋友的朋友早上5點開始排隊，可以成功預約到中國館，一拿到預約票，還可以跑400米直衝去沙特阿拉伯館排隊。我們一班朋友商量過，既然中國館會永久保留，就不必這次去跟人迫，所以放棄去中國館，亦放棄早上入園和那批亂馬衝安檢鬥短跑。而且後來發現中國館的省區部份其實不太多人，不用排長龍都可以入去。回應量力而為策略，如果不是短跑皇，就無謂去同人硬闖。
策略三：夜晚出動
國內同胞比較習慣早上活動，很多世博一日遊的團都是朝九晚五，所以早上園內會較擠迫。可以考慮在下午時份才入園，當其他人都已經筋疲力盡或者要隨團離開時，就是最好的行動時候，排隊時間會大大縮短。上星期六晚上７點，頗為受歡迎的荷蘭館已完全不用排隊，日間要排3個鐘頭的西班牙館只需要排20多分鐘。展館在10點多都會關門，人潮就散去，這個時候是映夜景的最佳時機，可以achieve mission impossible，在世博映張没有人做背景的相。
策略四：閉館時間
每一個展館的閉館時間都不一樣。上星期六意大利館晚上8點就閉館，7點已截龍，但星期日就10點才閉館，原來不是天天一樣。我没有查明可否在Expo website找到閉館時間，可以的話就方便得多，因為全日最容易入熱門展館就是將近閉館的時候。大部份展館都在10點閉館，有幾個例如芬蘭，丹麥，New Zealand ，Mexico都是10:30才閉館，但截龍就各有不同時間。就連日間要排幾小時的大熱門澳洲館，在10:20可以完全不必排隊入去。因此要好好安排9:30至10:30的黃金時間路綫，盡量在那段時間去日間popular到不能入去的展館。
策略五：捨熱取冷
世博園區一河之隔，浦東區的國家館較多人，浦西區的産業館和案例館則較少人，所以可以在晚上拼摶國家館前先到較冷門的浦西區。就算浦東區的國家館，也有很多全日都不用排隊的冷門國家館可以參觀。我覺得國內遊客和香港遊客的喜好不太一樣，他們都主攻他們熟悉的大國，而少人知道的小國就不得到垂青。但冷門不等於不值得看，反而我覺得有機會見識到少接觸的地方，更多驚喜。當然有一些展館內裏空空如也，或者細到一入去就已經是出口，但都算做一了好奇心。就我所見，大熱門的展館包括中國，日本，韓國，沙特阿拉伯，阿聯酋，德國，瑞士，西班牙，英國，意大利，美國，澳洲，日本産業館等等。園內不時會廣播這些館預計輪候時間，可以長達六小時呢！要花半天去看一個展館，值不值得，見仁見智。
策略六：餐廳入館
之前聽說法國，西班牙，日本等三個長龍的展館，可以入館內的餐廳用餐，然後就可以直入展館。我們去了問西班牙的餐廳，他們說餐廳不在展館內，不可進入展館。但後來我們碰到兩個朋友，他們就去了有精采表演的西班牙餐廳，然後入到館內。Information not very clear。至於日本館，門外的日本人忙着不回答我朋友關於餐廳入館的提問，於是我們就派出老外發問，日本美少女staff果然馬上停步回答問題，不過都是說不可以從餐廳入展館。我想要入這些展館，都要講緣份。
策略七：世界飲食
除了centralised的餐飲區外，有些國家展館都有出售local food and drinks，我就第一次試喝立陶宛和阿根廷的啤酒。地圖上没有顯示那個館有餐飲出售，純粹是撞彩。要一嘗平時難以買得到的food and drinks，我建議主打那些不太popular的國家館。
策略八：飲水機
遊人不可以帶飲品入園。之前看了旅遊書，建議帶空水瓶入到園內在飲水機裝水。這個建議完全不work。首先飲水機在園內不多，不太方便。第二，飲水機被大批人重重包圍，要去裝水要花一定氣力。第三，亦是最重要的，是我見到很多人不太懂得用飲水機，成個口吮埋個水機，衞生情況有目共睹。其實園區四處都有售賣飲品的攤擋，人民幣3至4元一枝冰凍的水或soft drink，飲得放心得多。
策略九：園內交通
浦東浦西區兩邊各自都有免費巴士穿梭，省掉不少腳骨力往返區域，要好好善用。而連接浦東浦西兩邊，就可以乘船或地鐵。不過船要15分鐘才一班，等4班船已經要一小時。見到多人等船的話，還是坐地鐵快些。
策略十：保持冷靜
遊世博，要花很多耐性和體力，不是每一個人都頂得住。如果覺得人太擠擁，就先去少人的餐廳休息，立陶宛和烏克蘭館內都有個酒吧，無人幫襯，冷氣開放，是不錯的歇腳處！如果遇上没有禮貎的人，記緊要一笑置之，要不然就千萬不要踏足世博園區。如果到到一個point覺得自己是攞苦來辛，就走吧。
斐濟和上海世博
這個月會去兩次旅行﹣斐濟和上海世博。對於兩個地方，我有完全不同的期待和期望。
斐濟
Fiji的picture postcard image 是islands with white sandy beach and coral reefs。Tom Hanks 套戲Cast Away就是取景於Fijian island。如果你有看過套戲，就大概有concept個地方有幾 remote。由Nadi國際機場轉乘六座位或十六座位的小型飛機，就可以到達paradise般的 island。没有路，没有internet，没有mobile phone。一切back to basics，回歸大自然。
斐濟有三百多個小島，有一晚租金27萬的private island，一般千幾到幾千元一晚的high class resort，亦有幾百元的backpackers hostel。Tourism在Fiji已發展多年，所以internet有很多資料介紹how to maximise enjoyment there。在plan揀去邊個島時，看到Google Map satellite image，小島surrounded by coral reefs，AMAZING！我真的十分之十分之期待！
上海世博
早在世博開幕之前我已經訂好這個trip，主要原因是早些出機票有discount。自從世博開幕之後，有關的新聞報導，尤其是關乎秩序的，都幾負面，每次我都看到O晒嘴。他們不守秩序不排隊又死，排隊一個貼一個身貼身地等幾個鐘頭，又死。看到一大羣人為了免費演唱會票而好像水牛般狂奔，還要一邊奔跑一邊大叫“衝呀”，好似三國演義千軍萬馬的場面，一切back to basic instinct，survival of the fittest。這令到在香港看電視新聞的人咋舌和大笑，但就令我這些將要去的人不寒而慓。坊間已流傳參觀世博的攻略，不是 maximise enjoyment，而是minimise discomfort，似risk management 多過似去旅行。 我估我都是要用我在北京生活時的自創口號“Bear with the Unbearables”！
我一般都很喜歡去旅行，去任何地方都可以找到樂趣。但這次世博之旅未出發，我真的有少少後悔太早issue了不可改動的機票。我最大的期望是同行的人個個可以安安全全，不要太辛苦，亦不要同人發生爭執。如果到時真的太unpleasant，我會不入世博園區，只跟班friend去飲飽食醉，可能仲開心！
Eastern Europe in a Nutshell
To begin, I have to admit that I’m not exactly sure how to define the region of Eastern Europe. I would think it encompasses the countries that are east of Germany and west of Russia. The more popular tourist destinations are Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.
Czech Republic
In many people’s eyes, Prague is a romantic place. The setting of the city along the river, with highly ornate Charles Bridge and stunning castle on the hilltop, visible from the old town – even Hitler found it too beautiful to destroy during the Second World War. The beauty of Prague touches the heart of everyone who goes there.
Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture are very well-preserved in the city. The ornate decor inside the cathedrals rates amongst the best in Europe – your heart and mouth go “wow”!
Outside of Prague, there are many historical towns and castles well worth visiting. I visited a church where the interior is decorated with human skulls and bones. Thousands of bones! It’s freaky but rather spectacular and special.
Poland
Poland is the biggest country in Eastern Europe. It has a long bitter history of fighting war after war in an effort to defend its territory from occupation by aggressive neighbours. Sadly, many historic buildings were destroyed during the numerous wars it had been through, with the Second World War wiping out the entire old Warsaw city.
The real tourist attraction of Poland lies in the south around Krakow, a place I highly recommend. The place impressed me so much I felt the urge to write an article about my trip which was published in U Magazine last year. The old town square of Krakow dates back to the 13th century and is now a UNESCO site. In close proximity to Krakow, there are many famous places such as Auschwitz concentration camp and the world’s oldest operating salt mine.
Ukraine and Slovakia are only a few hours drive away from Krakow. For those who want to boost up country count, Krakow makes a good base to visit nearby countries. The region along the border with Slovakia is good for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Hungary
The main attraction is Budapest, the place where the famous waltz, The Blue Danube (also known as 肥婆踩單車) relates to. I haven’t been to Hungary so I don’t have first hand knowledge, therefore I won’t write any more to give the false impression that I know a lot about the place.
Cost
Many years ago, Eastern Europe was a lot cheaper than the west. However, as these countries joined the EU, and with the upcoming adoption of the Euro, prices are catching up quickly. Many tourist attractions, like Prague in the summer, is plainly wall-to-wall tourism driven. No doubt tourists are expected to pay handsome tourist prices. Simply put, you are a purse, not a person. One has to travel further east to find real bargains.
Transport
One observation – as nice as Poland and Polish people are, one very noticeable feature is that the people don’t queue for anything. They always find ways to jump a queue, squeeze in, drop their luggage in front of you, form 5 lines when there should be 2 – all quite blatantly and with no shame or qualms whatsoever. Hiring your own car avoids the daily battle (of not queuing) with the local crowds and offers great flexibility and freedom to explore off the beaten track.
The Big Four in Northern Europe
In response to a recent query on Northern and Eastern Europe, here is the first instalment of the blog to whet your appetite.
Europe is a very interesting continent with a high density of natural beauty, cultural diversity and deep history. Interestingly, despite the close proximity of countries, each one has its own distinct language and culture making a trip around Europe extremely worthwhile. Tourists can get a very different experience by travelling just a relatively short distance.
Weather and Daylight
As with choosing any destination, weather is a major consideration in planning a trip to Europe. There are distinct climatic patterns such as Continental Europe having hot summers and cold snowy winters, and Mediterranean Europe having very hot and dry summers and rainy dull winters. In particular, the Scandinavian countries lie far up north in latitude, so the length of day time impacts greatly on a trip – ranging from 24 hours of daylight in June to 24 hours of darkness in December. The internet provides an accurate source of weather data with daylight hours for each month of the year.
The Scandinavian Region
Scandinavian countries include Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, although some may argue that Iceland should be included. I will focus on the first four countries in this post and save Iceland for a future blog.
When I visited the Scandinavian region in the last century, I was very impressed by its modern infrastructure and forward-thinking social and educational system. When I revisited the region last year, I was equally impressed. These countries seem to always walk a few paces ahead of the rest of the world. To use a few adjectives to describe these countries: safe, clean, friendly, environmental and beautiful. You see, it’s all positive!
Norway
Personally, I find Norway the most scenically beautiful. The fjords along Norway’s spectacular west coast usually top travel survey tables of places to visit in your lifetime. You can take a cruise on the fjords to look at waterfalls cascade down from sheer cliff faces; and you can go hiking to the top of waterfalls, so no matter how you see it, it won’t disappoint.
Norway lies in the northernmost part of Europe and is famous for the midnight sun in midsummer. The sun basically never drops below the horizon. At midnight it sets down close to sea level and then rises up again. It’s a truly memorable and rewarding experience and well worth the journey to get there – to witness some solar magic.
Sweden
Sweden has some of the most unspoilt forest in Europe. Generally, the summer months are great for camping and walking/hiking to experience the natural beauty that these amazing forests possess. The capital city Stockholm is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. I have no doubt about this; a stroll around the old town is enough evidence. And if it’s arts and culture you’re after, Stockholm’s 70 museums are ideal for any art-lover to indulge. And no mention of Sweden would be complete without a reference to one of the best pop groups that ever stood on stage – ABBA!
Finland
Finland is the land of a thousand lakes. The lakes are quiet and offer ample opportunities for camping, fishing and even white water rafting. Finland’s entire eastern side borders the Russian Federation, and in the south the capital, Helsinki, is just a short hop across the Gulf of Finland, from Tallinn, Estonia’s capital. It is also the closest European country to China. These factors make it a melting pot of western and eastern culture distinguishing it from the other three Scandinavian countries, so well worth exploring. You’re probably already aware that Finland is the home to one of the most well-known hightech brands, Nokia. And whether Santa Claus comes from Finland is another question because during my summer visit he wasn’t to be seen.
Denmark
Denmark is the smallest of the four countries in size but certainly stands its ground amongst its regional neighbours. The royalty is deep rooted in Danish history and beautiful castles are scattered all over the country. Remember there was once a Hong Kong girl who married a Danish prince? Okay, they were separated in the end, but it still certainly keeps hopes high for girls who are searching for a prince! The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, is the main transport hub in the region making it very convenient to connect to other parts of Scandinavia and a respectable number of intercontinental destinations.
Cost
There is a myth that Scandinavia is very expensive. The truth, it’s not much more expensive than the rest of Europe – actually I find it better value than London, for example. What you pay for in Scandinavia is really high quality. There is simply nothing inferior; at least I haven’t encountered it. Because the place is safe and clean, staying in youth hostels or lower-end accommodation is a very viable option. You can read my previous blog about B&B in Stockholm.
Transport
Scandinavian countries are big into environmental protection making fuel prices and car hire expensive. However, the public transport system is very efficient in all four countries and the networks are extensive. The Scan rail pass is a very economical way to travel around these countries.
As I am writing this post, many fond memories of the places I visited and the people I met came to mind. Keep an eye out to read about my interesting experiences from my previous trips to these countries, in due course.
More about Eastern Europe to come.
申請台灣簽證
這個weekend打算去台中玩兩三日，所以要申請台灣簽證。申請台灣簽證可以選擇在香港預先辦理或者到達台灣後辦理落地簽證。但因為去到台灣的機場時可能會有很多同一班機的人排隊，怕耽誤行程，而且聽說台中的機場很小，簽證櫃枱不多，所以還是在香港先申請好簽證保險一些。
港澳居民可以先在網上申請（https://nas.immigration.gov.tw/），輸入個人資料後幾秒鐘就可以拿到一個預先核准的編號。憑着編號就可以親自或者委托其他人去金鐘的中華旅行社或者機場的辦事處領取台證。
在機場的簽證辦事處位於Terminal 1，但我出發當天要從 Terminal 2 check-in。為避免臨上機前要在兩個Terminal跑來跑去，又難以預計要預早幾多去等，我就決定先去金鐘取證。
前兩日我上到中華旅行社，勁多人，大大話話有成百人在排隊。不知是不是大家都不去泰國旅行，所有人都轉移去台灣。短的隊是已經在網上申請，只是取證的，只得十幾個人排隊。長的隊是其他未在網上申請的人，個蛇餅打到看不到隊尾。好在我精明地已在網上申請，等了不到十分鐘就可以遞交申請編號，護照和身份證副本，取到一個號碼籌等叫取證。看到牆上告示說要等一小時才可以取證，告訴大家可以先離開，在當日四點半前再回去取證，我就没有留在那兒等。一個多小時後我回去，不用等，直接去取證的counter，出示號碼籌，付上７５港元，簽證馬上到手。
所以如果大家要申請台證，第一記緊要先在網上申請，第二可以在吃午飯前上去拿號碼籌，吃完飯去取台證，就可以減低等候時間。
Fly me to Fiji
I am going to Dubai this Thursday for Easter holiday and have booked a trip to Shanghai Expo in June. This morning my cousin was talking about organising a good food trip to Taiwan in May…… which, for many is hard to resist. Amidst all this trip planning, I still managed to sidetrack to look at other deals. A special promotion package to Fiji caught my attention.
Air Pacific began its direct flight service to Hong Kong in December last year. I have been keeping an eye on good deals to go there in the better travel months, May to October. Finally, some travel agents offer packages which are valid till 30 June 2010.
If you book flights on the Air Pacific website, the ticket price starts from $5099, including all taxes and charges. It is very reasonable considering it’s a 10 hour flight. Strangely, the same codeshare flight costs $6140 if you book through the Cathay Pacific website.
I thought the air ticket was a good deal until I found the packages on offer. Flight + 4 nights accommodation in 5 star hotel starts from $7520. I have made an initial enquiry and it’s available on the dates that I want to travel – I am not going to tell you my dates here, in case you go ahead and book the same dates and they sell out the cheapest class of air ticket…. Heehee… From my preliminary search, Miramar Travel offers the lowest price for the same flight + hotels package.
I feel greedy in planning so many trips, so I tested the water to see how my husband would react to yet another holiday. His response goes like this:
“You’re not greedy! I suppose we just have one life – why not live it. I’m interested!”
Seriously, there are reasons why I keep loving him!
Fly me to Fiji!!!!