Australia’s favourite holiday park provider, BIG4 Holiday Parks, is adding a sweetener for those planning a spring getaway by offering a ‘Stay 4, Pay 3’ promotion during the months of September, October AND November.

 Holiday-makers can extend their long weekend by an extra day for free, at more than 40 participating BIG4 Parks located at some of Australia’s top tourist spots. Families and individuals may choose to follow the sun to warm Airlie Beach in Queensland, take in the breathtaking views of the Flinders Ranges at Port Augusta in South Australia, or enjoy a quiet weekend in quaint Queenscliff in Victoria – the options are endless.

 BIG4 Holiday Parks participating in the ‘Stay 4, Pay 3’ promotion include:

• BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park, Narooma NSW
• BIG4 Moruya Heads Easts Dolphin Beach Holiday Park, Moruya Heads NSW
• BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park, South Durras NSW
• BIG4 Nambucca Beach Holiday Park, Nambucca NSW
• BIG4 Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park, Bathurst NSW
• BIG4 Valley Vineyard Tourist Park, Cessnock NSW
• Twofold Bay Beach Resort, Eden NSW
• BIG4 Lake Macquarie Monterey Tourist Park, Lake Macquarie NSW
• BIG4 Lakeside Holiday Park, Mulwala NSW
• BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba Holiday Park, Yamba NSW
• BIG4 Beachfront Holiday Resort, Tuncurry NSW
• BIG4 Bungalow Park, Burrill Lake NSW
• Easts Beach Holiday Park Kiama, Kiama NSW
• BIG4 Broulee Beach Holiday Park, Broulee
• BIG4 Point Vernon Holiday Park, Hervey Bay QLD
• BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park, Tweed Heads QLD
• BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach QLD
• BIG4 Beachcomber Coconut Caravan Village, Mission Beach QLD
• BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park, Port Douglas QLD
• BIG4 Brisbane Gateway Resort, Brisbane QLD
• Discovery Holiday Parks – Robe, Robe SA
• Port Augusta BIG4 Holiday Park, Port Augusta SA
• BIG4 Porepunkah Holiday Park, Porepunkah VIC
• BIG4 Parkgate Resort, Halls Gap VIC
• BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park, Castlemaine VIC
• BIG4 Beacon Resort, Queenscliff VIC
• BIG4 Port Fairy, Port Fairy VIC
• BIG4 Badger Creek Holiday Park, Healesville VIC
• BIG4 Swan Hill, Swan Hill VIC
• BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill VIC
• BIG4 Whiters Holiday Village, Lakes Entrance VIC
• A Shady River Holiday Park, Echuca-Moama VIC
• Ashley Gardens BIG4 Holiday Village, Braybrook VIC
• Geelong Riverview Tourist Park, Geelong VIC
• Golden River Holiday Park, Mildura VIC
• Boathaven Holiday Park, Wodonga VIC
• BIG4 Inverloch Holiday Park, Inverloch VIC
• BIG4 Waters Edge Holiday Park, Lakes Entrance VIC
• BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park, Wye River VIC
• BIG4 Phillip Island Caravan Park, Phillip Island VIC
• BIG4 Plantation Caravan Park, Carnarvon WA
• BIG4 Albany Gardens Holiday Resort, Albany WA
• Woodman Point Holiday Park, Fremantle WA
• Perth Vineyards Holiday Park, Swan Valley WA

BIG4 Holiday Parks’ General Manager of Marketing, Kari Hunter, says the promotion falls at a perfect time, giving people the opportunity to take a well deserved short break before their summer holidays come around in the lead up to the warmer months.

“The extra night allows another whole day of quality time together seeing the local sights and attractions, adding more value to a weekend away from home. The added incentive is a great motivation for everyone to treat themselves to a longer break than usual, something the average Australian doesn’t seem to do enough of,” Kari says.

 BIG4 Holiday Parks offers an impressive range of accommodation styles and facilities that are perfect for all groups. Those travelling light or in bigger groups can relax in luxury style cabins with private decks and spacious bedrooms. For caravanners or campers pitching tents, a spacious grassy powered site or convenient ensuite site will ensure a great night sleep is guaranteed under the stars.

For more information about BIG4 Holiday Parks around Australia, please visit BIG4.com.au

Joining a frequent flyer program may be something that you’ve never considered doing.

Aren’t they just for suit-wearing executives who fly back and forth from Sydney to Melbourne?

Not so. Australia is a nation of travel lovers, some out of necessity and some because they want to.

Migrants are visiting relatives in ‘the old country’ from time to time, wanderlust travelers are jetting off to explore new places and so on the list goes.

First up, people who typically are spending a a few thousand dollars or more per month, pay of their balance each month and intend to book a flight somewhere are suitable for a frequent flyer program. But in the pursuit of points, don’t go out of your way to spend money in order to earn points.

Whatever you spend your money on has to on purchases that you’d be making regardless of points or incentives otherwise its spending for the sake of spending. With that in mind, here are 10 simple tips to help you get the most from frequent flyer programs.

#1 Entitlements, Privileges and Benefits

This is the exciting bit and probably the reason you’re reading this blog post. The entitlements are numerous and attractive. As a member of frequent flyer program you’ll enjoy quicker check-in times and boarding times at the airport, preferential seating on the flight, get extra checked baggage allowance and access to those plush airport lounges.

Now the really attractive bit – you can redeem your points for upgrades to business or first class seats or get huge discounts on tickets. Depending on how far you fly you could even redeem the points for a free ticket.

#2 Earning Points

It is super important to know that to get the most out of a frequent flyer program and therefore you need to understand a little bit about how your points are earned. Points can be earned for every dollar spent with the airline program when you book a flight or buy from a participating retailer in a promotion.

#3 Boost Your Points

Programs like Qantas and Velocity really do make it very easy to earn points. One of the thee most effective ways to earn a bucket-load of points is to sign up for a credit card that is linked to your frequent flyer program. That way you shop using your credit card as you ordinarily would do and in the process you earn points. Most cards have a 1-to-1 ratio: spend one dollar and earn one point. Take a look at the comparison tables on a site like FrequentFlyerCreditCards.com.au to see which cards offer the best dollar to points ratio and overall best value.

Hot tip: Make sure you pay off your monthly credit card bill (something you should do anyway) otherwise the value of the frequent flyer points will be eaten into by the interest you’re paying on that monthly statement!

#4 Big Spender?

If you intend on spending a lot of money, 2000 or more per month, then you should consider the option of getting an uncapped frequent flyer credit card. That way you won’t hit caps or limits and every single dollar you spend will earn points.

#5 Tiers

Airlines have set up their frequent flyer programs to have tiers. For example, Qantas have three levels: Silver, Gold and Platinum. Velocity also have 3 tiers: Red, Silver and Gold. You will be eligible for better benefits, bonus points and more points earning potential by reaching milestones associated with your rewards program.

#6 Airline Partners

The available partners within your frequent flyer program will make a big difference in how you use your rewards. Qantas are teamed up with oneworld and a bunch of other airlines meaning their network is massive. Velocity Rewards are primarily used on Virgin Blue, V Australia, Virgin Atlantic or Virgin America but can points can be transferred to seven other airlines notably Delta.

If partner options are limited or you don’t do want to fly with the partners involved in a reward program, then it won’t be the best fit for you. It’s also important that you understand how your points will transfer for use with those partners. For example, do those points transfer on a point-for-point ratio to another program? If not then you need to question if its worth it.

#7 Flight Destinations

Where an airline flies will greatly affect the benefits you receive from your card. So, start with your destination and work back from there. For example, if you know that you want to fly from Sydney to Tokyo or Brisbane to Singapore but the airline’s frequent flyer program doesn’t fly there, there then there’s no point. Choose a frequent flyer program that casts a wide net of destinations.

#8 Restrictions

There are going to be restrictions on when, where or how you use your points which can be frustrating. Getting to redeem your points is subject to capacity and availability so if the flight is booked up already then you’ll not get to muscle your way on just because you hold a frequent flyer card.

#9 There’s Fees to Pay

There’s a once-off joining fee for the Qantas program of $82.50. And if you sign up for a frequent flyer credit card there’s an annual fee which is usually not much more than the average credit card’s annual fee. There’s actually a couple of cards out there which have no annual fee but they aren’t directly linked to the Qantas or Velocity program.

#10 Use it or Lose it

Fees associated with a program and your frequent flyer credit card will still need to be paid whether you use it or not. Therefore, your card might be costing you money if you don’t fly on a regular or semi-regular basis. Be aware that points eventually expire. It takes 18 months for Qantas points to expire if you don’t earn or use the points and 3 years for Velocity Points.

David is the co-founder and travel writer for FrequentFlyerCreditCards.com.au where you can compare credit cards for frequent flyers and read more free tips like this blog post.

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Plan your own exciting holiday

www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com/travel-in-australia.html

Oz is an incredible place to visit and, no matter what part of the country you end up in, you’re bound to find tons of incredible things to see and do. Some of us, unfortunately, are on budgets – and while that might limit us as far as deciding which things to do, our financial situations certainly won’t stop us from having fun. Are you headed towards Melbourne this summer? Here are 5 free attractions to keep you entertained.

5. Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne consist of more than 86 acres of gorgeously landscaped grounds and gardens. Inside you’ll find thousands of plant species from around the world. Guided walks through the gardens are offered free of charge. The park opens at 7:30am and closes at either 6pm or 7:30pm, dependent upon the time of year you visit.

4. Queen Victoria Market

Do you love to shop? If so, you simply can’t leave Melbourne without first making a stop at the Queen Victoria Market. Considered the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere, the market has been a notable landmark for well over 100 years. The land has served several purposes over the years (including as cemetery grounds), but today is a produce market featuring other modern merchants.

3. City Circle Tram

Want to catch a glimpse of the entire city without making a bunch of stops? Consider  hopping on the City Circle Tram. It’s free, and encourages visitors to hop on and off at any time along the circuit. You can stop to take pictures, or to visit some of the area’s hot spots, and then simply hop back on to get to your next destination. You’ll pass the Parliament House, Old Treasury Building, and many other historic sites. Don’t want to get off? Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

2. Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street Station is one of the most popular meeting places in Melbourne. Visitors will find that the station is the hub of the city’s transportation system, while also offering tons of gorgeous architecture (including the spectacular clock tower) for your viewing pleasure. If you want to be at the center of activity, you should consider looking for hotels near Flinders Street Station. You’ll never be far from any attraction, whether you walk or take public transportation.

1.    Melbourne’s Beaches

No trip to Melbourne is complete unless you spend at least one afternoon relaxing on the gorgeous beaches. Yes, the Yarra River does run through Melbourne, but don’t forget that the city sits on Port Phillip Bay as well. There are dozens of great beaches to explore, including St. Kilda, Brighton, and a number of dedicated surfing beaches.

Ask the concierge at the hotel you choose to direct you towards some of the area’s least expensive attractions. There’s bound to be something nearby, whether you stay at the Atlantis Hotel Melbourne or one of the dozens of other affordable hotels in the area. Relax, don’t stress over money, and enjoy the city!

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Plan your own exciting holiday

www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com/travel-in-australia.html

• Take all your documentation and check the list of items that are not allowed on board a plane.
• Dress very comfortably, loose clothing is a must.
• Remember where you parked your car, write it down if necessary.
• Arrive early for domestic your flight, you need to check in at least an hour before the flight departs. International flights require you to be checked in about 3 hours before departure.
• Use a neck pillow if you find sleeping upright is uncomfortable, the nexk pillow will support your neck and head.
• Use the on board videos or music with the headphones supplied, they help pass the time.
• Take a good book or magazine to keep you busy for several hours at least.
• If the person next to you won’t stop talking to you pretend you are asleep, you might get lucky and really fall asleep.
• If you have kids travelling with you pack some small bags of snacks to bring out occasionally and some playing cards, books or travel games.
• Try not to annoy other travellers, even if others are
• Don’t drink to much alcohol, have at least one drinks of water in between.

Enjoying your flight is very important to starting your trip off right. You can make yourself more comfortable by using the above flight travel tips for a more comfortable flight.

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When you are driving across Australia or along the coast you will be amazed by the variety of stunning and unique scenery.

http://www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com/road-trip-planner.html

There is no reason why you can’t have a great holiday when working with a limited budget. You may wish to stay in a 5-star hotel but in reality you will probably be staying in a backpackers, cheaper motel, cabin or tent or staying with friends, relatives or house swapping.

Plan your holiday within your budget so it can be relaxing. You can still get out and see all the sights, enjoy being with family and friends and meet new people. There are many free activities that you can enjoy. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos or videos so you can create memories to look back on in the years ahead.

If you are lucky you maybe able to ‘Win a Holiday’

Discount Offers – Use services like Last Minute for the latest bargains up to 70% off

House Swapping – Explore the idea of house swapping

• Australia – Aussie House Swap
• International – Homes Exchange

Flying – it maybe best to book in advance rather than waiting for the peak time. The closer you get to the peak times, air fares will increase substantially.

Stay Close To Home – Explore closer to home you will be surprised what is nearby.

Travel by car – Study the route to optimize the fuel consumption and also take into account the cost for the trip. The most ideal way to do this is by looking for the best route by a map and not following the advice of a GPS without checking a map, they tend to take you the long way around.

Travel on off peak times, not school holidays or public holidays

Group Discount – Large families or group may get discount well worth asking when booking accommodation etc.

Try not to impulse shop – only buy what is necessary and budget for any extras like a special treat experience.

Camping – Camping is a very low cost way to travel and see Australia Organizing and will be of great value, especially for the kids.

Use Compasison Websites for flights, hire cars, campers and travel insurance

• Expedia
• Airfares Flights
• Vroom Vroom Vroom
• Drive Now
• Travel Insurance Australia

Relocate Hire Vehicles for very cheap rates as explained in this article

This website organises hire vehicle relocations StandByRelocs

There are many ways of how to holiday in Australia on a budget, it’s just a matter of finding the best way for you and your situation, starting with how many people, where are you going and what mode of transport are you going to use.

Of course there are some great deals to be had when doing a last-minute booking also, but if you reserve your bookings early. You will be able to avoid sudden price increases and you will have less stress as you will know everything is booked and arranged rather than hoping to get something cheap and then not getting exactly what you wanted.

When planning your travel, focus on what you will need and what you intend to do. Will you be outdoors most of the time, or will your travel be based around indoor attractions. Make a list of what you want to see and do and this list will help you determine what you will need.

Travel agents will help you organise your trip or you can organise your trip by buying online as the Internet can have some great deals. There are many travel websites that offer promotions and discounts on tours, accommodations and other specials deals for tourists. You should be able to find one to suit you.