Australia-WOW! & Saving Money on Airline Tickets

SAD--Can't go--see what you are missing!

Special from AMAZON 

Online Purchase South Pacific Lonely Planet Books   Click here

Yep, that's me, picture actually taken with the Fairy Penquins.
St Philip Island off Melbourne

Experience one of Australia’s most popular attractions. Each night at sunset you’ll be amazed by Little Penguins returning ashore after a day’s fishing.

See the world’s smallest penguin in its natural habitat from viewing stands and boardwalks. Enjoy interactive and educational displays in the visitor centre and the spectacular coastal scenery from the Penguin Parade. This experience is sure to be the highlight of your visit. As the sun fades in the sky, Little Penguins waddle up the beach to the safety of their homes in the sand dunes. Witness this magical procession – it is a treat never forgotten.

Discover Victoria’s Yarra Valley wine region on this day trip from Melbourne.  Travel through the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley wine region on a full-day tour from Melbourne. 

Yarra Valley

Rolling hills, manicured vineyards, tranquil towns and a renowned gourmet trail – welcome to the Yarra Valley! This scenic slice of rural Victoria is an easy drive from central Melbourne, and a popular spot for hot-air balloon rides, winery lunches and scenic Sunday drives.

Most notably, the Yarra Valley is one of Australia's prime wine-growing regions. Wine-tasting at boutique wineries and long, lazy lunches at vineyard restaurants are popular pursuits.

Pick up some notable pinot noir, chardonnay or sparkling wines at vineyards like Domain Chandon, De Bortoli and Yering Station, stop for a little cheese-grazing at the Yarra Valley Dairy, and browse antique shops in charming Yarra Valley towns.

Healesville Sanctuary, home to more than 200 species of native Australian wildlife. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch from one of the on-site cafés (own expense), and then set off to explore the zoo’s beautifully landscaped habitats. Get an up-close encounter with amazing marsupials like kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils and koalas, and observe other animals like echidnas, platypuses, lyrebirds and dingoes. Attend various feedings and presentations throughout the day to learn more about these incredible creatures.  Sit back and relax on the return drive to Melbourne, where you’ll be dropped off back at your original departure point in the late afternoon.

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(Once again this article was published earlier and has been updated and republished here.)


Are they worth it? Can they really save you money?

Let me give a full disclosure about myself. I am a very happy retired employee of a major airline’s reservations office. I appreciated the work, loved the customers, enjoyed working with the other staff members and the 18 years of almost free worldwide travel.

It’s my believe the writers of airline secrets guides promote the sales with ad copy expressing how disgruntled and angry they are with their unhappy association with their former employers. If that sells books, go ahead, but some of us know the perks you enjoyed in your former positions.

The question is are the e-books or guides worth the time and expense? 
Yes, definitely! Ignore the angry tones in their writings, a lot of money saving and vital information is being shared. Believe me they are making up for their discomfort each time someone buys their e-book.

I recommend prior to planning your trip and buying any tickets, making any reservations, cars, hotels, cruises you purchase at least one "insider's guide". Your wallet will love you and you will enjoy the trip and the savings that can be yours. The information is immediately available in the form of e-books that can be downloaded to your computer for reference as you go about your online shopping.

In recent years the airlines have tacked on so many extra charges and fees in addition to the cost of the ticket. In times past you called the airline reservation 800 number, got some personal assistance and that was that.

Since then higher fuel prices and yes low cost carrier competition has sent airline scurrying for additional income sources. Different airlines have come up with various add on costs. Some charge you to buy a ticket over the phone, they expect you to favor their web sites and reduce the employee costs of ticket shopping. Remember when you could go to the airport ticket counter and buy your ticket, now that costs extra money with some airlines.

Prior to 9/11 and the terrorists strikes on New York, airlines had ticket offices in most major cities. Only a few remain today, so if you are not paying by credit card on the airline’s web site expect a little extra charge on top of the price of the ticket.

Using the information you learn from e-book guides like “Insider Secrets To Cheap Flights” you learn about some of the other expenses of flying today. Fees to check your bags, in economy class no more free meals, even snacks are purchased. You’ll possibly pay extra for a blanket or pillow and prior to the flight seat selection.

These and many other items to prepare you for your travel are covered. Whether the travel is for business or pleasure the advance preparation is worth much more than the cost of even a couple of “insider guides“. Starting any trip with unexpected surprises all along the way is the surest way to ruin a travel experience.

Many of the writers have included bonuses, such as latest security tips, best buys on hotels, cars, cruises and additional travel related items. Check for any additional offerings with an e-book purchase most will include some extras.
“Insider Secrets to CheapFlights” is a very worth while purchase, as are the other two listed guides.

My final word, avoid any unnecessary hassles spend a few bucks for the experts "secret". They will spill the beans, after all don't they tell everyone how angry they are with their former employers.