KEY POINTS:
Lyon
Want to be in Lyon with the All Blacks during the World Cup?
Flight Centre has flights to Lyon, ex-Auckland, from $2161 per person, with routes via Shanghai and Amsterdam on Air New Zealand and KLM. For details and bookings contact Flight Centre on 0800 35 44
48.
New York
Have the ultimate Christmas shopping expedition in New York. House of Travel has four-night packages to the Big Apple from $3185 per person share twin. The package includes return economy class airfares flying Qantas from Auckland to New York via Los Angeles, return transfers to Manhattan, four nights at the Edison Hotel and an 11 per cent discount voucher for the iconic Macy's department store. Travel is valid November 8-30, with sales until September 30, 2007. Contact House of Travel on 0800 838 747.
Vanuatu
Flight Centre has Vanuatu packages including return airfares from Auckland and four nights' accommodation from $899 per person, twin share. Sale ends September 30, with travel until December 31. Contact Flight Centre on 0800 35 44 48).
Fiji
Going green doesn't mean roughing it in Fiji. Sonaisali Island, just off Fiji's main island of Vitu Levu, has gained a Green Globe 21 certificate for protecting the environment and conserving its biodiversity. Flight Centre has Fiji holiday packages including return airfares from Auckland and four nights' accommodation at Sonaisali Island Resort from $999 per person, twin share. Sale ends September 31 for travel until December 16, some dates excluded. Contact Flight Centre on 0800 35 44 48.
Gold Coast
Escape to the sunny Gold Coast with return flights from Auckland to Brisbane on Emirates, staying seven nights at the new Saville Circle on Cavill in a one-bedroom apartment, in central Surfers Paradise. Packages from $1029 per person share double. Sales until September 30. Contact House of Travel on 0800 838 747.
Canada and Alaska
Trafalgar Tours has a 24-day coach/cruise tour of Canada and Alaska leaving on May 4, 2008. Tickets from $9950 per person including airfares flying Air New Zealand. Contact your nearest Air New Zealand Holidays Store on 0800 737 767.
Flight Centre top 5 fares
Sydney One way $182
Samoa One way $279
Honolulu Return $1488
Beijing Return $1443
San Francisco Return $1806
Prices are ex Auckland, are all-inclusive, correct as at September 12, 2007 and subject to change without notice. Date and travel restrictions apply.
For full terms and conditions please see www.flightcentre.co.nz
Turangi
The stunning five-star River Birches lodge on the banks of the Tongariro River in Turangi, is offering a spring deal for those looking to squeeze in a little last-minute skiing, some fishing, or simply relaxing for a few days. Book two nights at the lodge before October 31 and your third night is free. Rooms at the lodge start at $325 per night.
Terms and conditions apply.
For details visit www.riverbirches.co.nz
Vietnam
The Global Volunteer Network has opportunities to work in a Vietnamese orphanage. Volunteers would teach the children - and others in the community - English. They would also help care for the children. All placements are with government-run programmes in central Vietnam, around Da Nang. Contact United Travel for details.
In the diary
November 1: Mexico's most famous celebration is the Day of the Dead - el Dia de los Muertos - a happy, positive festival in which the living celebrate their ancestors. It is also spectacular, with street parties, parades,gift-giving and feasts. In most areas there are two days of the - the Dia de los Angelitos, celebrated on November 1 and dedicated to the souls of children who have died; and the Dia de los Muertos itself, celebrated on November 2 and consecrated to the spirits of the adult dead. The celebrations also sometimes overlap with Halloween on October 31.
Hot tip: When in a new city, make the most of your hotel concierge.
They know the hot spots and the places to avoid. If you are on a budget, ask them how to use the public transport system and get detailed written instructions on where you want to go. If you are in a non English-speaking country, also have them write out the name of your hotel in the native language in case you get lost.
Winner: The winner of the wotif.com Father's Day fishing weekend getaway to Tongariro Lodge was Steve Bevan, of Whenuapai.
