Learn how to Bargain on Everything from Luxury Watches to Dishwashers

Get ready to bargain now because believe it or not sales on “hard luxury goods”, which includes luxury women’s and men’s watches, are expected to go back up in 2010.

Learn how to get these goods and more at lower than ever prices, before they rise up.

Richemont, the world’s second largest luxury group in terms of sales, makes more than half its profit from sales of goods like Cartier watches and jewelry, IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre watches and from other companies that it owns, like Baume Mericer.

The economic slump has hurt groups like Richemont and if what they predict is true, that the U.S.’s appetite for “hard luxury” goods is coming back, then get your buying on now.

2009 has been a bad year for luxury sales in the U.S. Demand for watches in the mid-price range (such as those by Baume Mercier) dropped 11%, while more expensive watches (costing around $10,000) fell about 25%. Luxury watch sales remained slow and low throughout the summer as well in the U.S. but jumped 20% in China. China will soon house more Cartier boutiques than anywhere else in the world.

Now, the part about how to learn how to bargain on everything from a luxury watch to a hotel stay, before the prices go back up!

Think about it, you have no problem wheeling and dealing at a flea market or even when buying a car. Who’s to say you shouldn’t do this when booking a hotel room or buying yourself a nice, new men’s watch or women’s watch?

Susan Spencer, executive editor for All You magazine says “Everything is negotiable. In this economy, it’s definitely a buyer’s market.”

The “where and how” approach to getting what you want for less:

Clothing store: if you’re going to buy more than one of the same item -eye creams for example, ask for a discount. Tell the owner that you shop there all the time and you’re willing to spread the word to others.

Cellphone carrier: No one can live without their cell phone / Blackberry but this doesn’t mean you have to pay their prices, which can add up if you go over your plan. If you’re up for a renewal ask for a new phone or tell them they need to offer you a better deal than the competition, otherwise you’re “outta there.”

Appliances: TV’s, washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc. May not be the first thing you want to spend your money on, but these are necessities and you can definitely find some room for price negotiation here, especially if you’re willing to buy the floor model.

Hotels: People are not traveling as much so hotels are not as booked. If you plan on staying three nights, ask for the third one free. Can’t hurt to ask and saves you money to spend on your vacation.

Luxury watches: Whether you walk into a store or are looking online you can ask for additional discounts, but not by asking, but by stating what you are willing to pay. Make sure you speak to a manager or the owner, likelihood is they rather make a reduced sale than no sale.

You can even try something like the “buy one get one half off” approach. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your wife or husband, watches are a great gift and it’s very possible that you can get two luxury watches for the price of one by bargaining. An added plus: your wife / husband will love you more and won’t be upset that you bought a luxury goodie for yourself and not her / him!

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For information about sales on luxury watches, check out http://www.varietywatches.com .

Cheap Holiday Deals in the Land of the Ottomans

Turkey has dozens of beautiful walled towns

The first thing you will want to do when planning a trip to Turkey is to determine a few of the more simple things on your trip. A good preview of the areas to be visited is a must, and can be found very easily using your home computer. There are many good websites available focused on the tourism in modern Turkey, and they can give you great insight into things such as local culture, food selections, crime rates, monetary exchange rates, and the many options of things to do while you are there. The most obvious choice to make your arrival into the country is to fly in using one of the main commercial airlines that service the area, but once you are there the options are plentiful on how to manoeuvre around, and see the sights. The most common transportation method used by the locals is the many busses that travel between the major cities very frequently, and this option is fairly inexpensive. If your looking for a more mobile way to get around you can rent a car in Turkey, but you will need to be prepared to drive a stick shift model, as automatics are not common. Flights, trains, ships, and ferries are also at your disposal, but the schedules and rates for this means of transportation can be difficult to get in advance, and you will more than likely have to wait until entering the country to find this information.

Comfortable and cheap hotels are easily found in this beautiful country. With hotels available with all of the star ratings westerners are used to, the options are endless, and a great hotel can be found near any itinerary schedule that will fit your needs and budget. Some of the most popular lodging can be found without using the typical star rating. These rooms are set up on a specialized rating system that include historic homes, Ottoman mansions, homes carved out of caves, and multiple boutique hotels with party invitations. These offer most if not all of the pleasures of home, without the big price tag of a more upmarket chain hotel. They give you the aura of historic sites that are not seen often in the more cheap holiday style areas, and can provide the tranquility and peace associated with any good holiday While the local areas are more culturally rich, the country also offers the finest in world class 5 star All-inclusive hotels such as the Hilton chain, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton, and Marriott and many more. With these luxurious hotels, most of the time breakfast and other meals are not included, and can cost a substantial amount more. While these hotels offer ease of access to the more major historic places of interest, the value may be undermined by the lack of richness in local culture that you will want to immerse yourself in while making this long journey. Other accommodations can be found that may be smaller in size, and lack most of the modern luxuries that are commonly associated with a world class holiday, but when traveling on a budget, these will offer all of the necessities, without an extreme price tag.

While in this country, you will have many options on where to burn the days away. The main cultural hub of Istanbul is plentiful in history, excitement, and local fare. One of the first things to do in this city is to take a city tour to acquaint yourself with the ins and outs of Istanbul. From here, you can easily take the time to have a day trip to the cities of Troy, Edirne, or Bursa where you will find the historic value that is associated with these sites. While you can breeze through the highlights of this rich city in a day, a week long tour will encourage exploration, and give you a more thorough view of the things that Istanbul has to offer. Another amazing sight to see while on your holiday excursions is the Gallipoli peninsula which is one of the main entrances of the Dardanelles strait connecting the Black Sea, with the Sea of Marmara, and the Mediterranean Sea. This has been the location of epic battles that have ensued since the early days of the Trojans, and up until World War One. An excursion to the battlefields on this land will give a great sense of historical value, and will show the sites where many heavy casualties were ensued in the long and fierce battles fought here.

While there are many things to do and see in this wonderful country, you are assured of an excellent holiday. With the proper research and a good itinerary, this will be one of the most memorable holidays in your life.

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Casper da Silva his lived and breathed travel for over 20 years. For cheap holidays and information and research on finding the holiday to suit you visit http://holidayclick.co.uk

Christmas Family Vacations Everyone Can Enjoy

You may be surprised at how many families take Christmas family vacations. Oftentimes, families prefer to take these trips in lieu of traditional celebrations and will decide to forgo the gift giving. Many families feel they would rather have a week together on vacation rather than one day of expensive gifts, most of which will not even outlast the season. The kids in the family will definitely be much happier to have their parent’s undivided attention as well.

Prepackaged Deals Can Save You Time and Money

When you are considering your destination, think about the activities your family enjoys. You can find Christmas vacation packages available to almost anywhere. These packages will include airfare, lodging, and even attraction tickets. You can save a great deal of money on these packages and time as well. It is often much easier to book a prepackaged Christmas family vacations than to take the time to reserve and pay for each portion separately.

Christmas Cruises Can Offer a Terrific Alternative

If you are thinking about a taking a Christmas cruise with your family, be sure to plan ahead. You can find the best deals when you book ahead. There are several different types of cruise lines and some of these cater specifically to families with children. This can be a terrific alternative to a traditional type Christmas vacation.

Split Your Travel Up

You might also consider a trip with multiple stops. This can be a lot of fun for your family and often airfare is cheaper with overnight stays. To ensure you don’t end up spending all your time in travel lines you need to plan each step of your trip in detail. This will help you minimize the chance of delays or canceled flights. You might even schedule your layovers in popular shopping destinations so you can get those last minute gifts.

Encountering Less Crowds At Theme Parks During the Holiday

Many of the popular theme parks are less crowded during the holiday season. You might even be able to cash in on cheaper tickets during the holidays. If your family has always loved theme parks, this a great time of the year for you to go. Most kids would definitely prefer a day at a popular theme park over presents under the tree.

Less Can Be More

Instead of trying to cram everything into one holiday, leave some time to just relax and explore. Take some time to stroll around and take a look at Christmas lights or go window shopping. You might also leave some time for after the holiday shopping. The sales will leave your whole family happy.

Go on a Road Trip

Instead of planning every single minute of a Christmas family vacation, another alternative is to get the whole family into the car and take off wherever you want. It can be a lot of fun to travel with your family and check out the many exciting stops along the way. With this option, you can make your way from home to home and visit with family members across the nation. This can be a great way to enjoy your family and have great Christmas family vacations.

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Huzaili Aris loves to travel and reveals more tips on acne treatment as well as how to get cheap airline flights at his website. Get travel destination tips and fun vacation ideas by visiting http://funvacationideas.com/

Eight Tips For finding Discount Christmas Vacations: Steps to Planning the Perfect Holiday

If you are looking for discount Christmas vacations, there are some simple steps you can follow to help you locate the best deals. Christmas is one of the busiest travel times of the year and you will need to plan ahead to avail of some of the best deals available.

Many of these tips for discount Christmas vacations are very simple, while others may require you to do some research to find just what you are looking for.

Plan Ahead- This is the number one thing you can do to locate discount Christmas vacations. The farther out you book your reservations, the more likely you are to get an outstanding deal. This can also prevent you running into availability problems during an area’s peak season.

Travel During the Week- Many airlines offer much cheaper fares when you travel on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. There are also other ways to save money, such as discount airlines, holiday specials, and weekend stays.

Look for Package Deals- Many of the best discount vacation deals are available in a package. These packages offer airfare or other transportation, accommodations, and even attraction tickets. Not only can you find great savings this way, you will also reduce many of the hassles involved with booking and purchases each part of your vacation separately.

Consider an Off the Wall Location- There are many destinations that are not normally high on a vacation list over the holidays and they typically make for cheaper holidays too. Cold weather climate destination, such as ice fishing or a winter hideaway cabin can cost much less than a week at a beach and also offer an entirely different avenue for fun.

Look for Out of the Way Lodging – If you are looking for a quiet getaway, consider lodging that is off the beaten path. You may find several hotels that have greatly reduced rates during the holidays. If you are driv ing a long way from major cities make sure you carry any spare auto accessories that you may need.

Speak with a Travel Agent- Travel agents can be a good asset when you are looking for discount Christmas vacations. Since most agencies purchase blocks of travel for resale, you can often come across a great deal if the trip does not sell out.

Look into Travel Clubs- There are many travel clubs that offer deep discounts on holiday travel. AAA and AARP both have sensational travel packages. While you may find some dates are unavailable, you might luck into a great holiday deal if you plan ahead.

Consider a Christmas Cruise- Some of the cruise lines have difficulty booking enough people during the holiday. You could stumble across a really nice deal if you do your research.

Research is definitely the key to finding amazing deals on discount Christmas vacations. There are many great travel websites that specialize in discount vacations. You can also talk with friends and family members to see if they can suggest a destination or activity. Some of your best vacation memories might be of a vacation where you didn’t do the “normal” activities.

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Huzaili Aris loves to travel and reveals more tips on how to get cheap airline flights at his website. Get travel destination tips and fun vacation ideas by visiting http://funvacationideas.com/

Cheap Christmas Vacations For The Whole Family

If you are planning to take your family to a Christmas vacation but are hesitating at the thought of the expenses involved, here’s some good news for you: there are several cheap Christmas vacations you can consider. With a little bit of imagination and planning you can enjoy the holidays with your family and spend a memorable, relaxing and meaningful Christmas vacation without having to go overboard with expenses.

Here are just some options you can explore that make for exciting but cheap Christmas vacations:

Explore your own Backyard

The word “vacation,” typically conjures up images of traveling to faraway places in another country or perhaps even another continent. But your vacation need not be too far. Instead of packing and setting off to check out the tourist attractions in another country why not spend time this vacation visiting attractions in your very locality, city or state.

You may be surprised to discover that there are a lot of vacation places you can take your family to without going that far. This will not only help you spend less for a Christmas family adventure, but it will also help you appreciate your locality more.

Visit Historical Landmarks

Historical landmarks are excellent places to take your family during the holidays. Do some research on the nearest historical landmarks in your area or in the neighboring areas so you can plan your trip ahead. You and your family can start gathering information about the place a few weeks before you leave; this will heighten the excitement of the trip.

Most of the time, there are more historical landmarks around you than you know. These great places are just waiting to be discovered. And because these places have a historical significance, there are usually many cheap but presentable hotels or inns where your family can check in.

Visit Theme Parks
Theme parks are always a sure hit during the Christmas season. Children and adults alike enjoy spending time at theme parks. Although some people may consider a trip to such a place quite a predictable activity for the season, theme parks never really go out of style. A good activity holiday can act as the best weight loss pill available. These destinations are timeless and never fail to entertain people of all ages. Your family will certainly enjoy going to a theme park for Christmas vacation.

Head for the Beach
The beach is another destination you can have for the holidays. This is perfect for cheap Christmas vacations as the rates of cottages are almost always discounted during this season. The rates of seaside cottages, which usually double up during the summer, are more affordable during the Christmas season.

The beach is a perfect getaway for the holidays. It will give you and your family a relaxing place to stay in. If you are a little tight on the budget, you can choose beach cottages that have facilities for cooking. You can save a lot more if you cook your meals than when you eat out. The children can help with the cooking and other chores, and this will be great way to have family bonding.

So what are you waiting for? As Christmas fast approaches, start planning for your family’s holiday vacation. You can choose destinations from your own locality. You can also opt to visit historical landmarks or theme parks. And lastly, your family can spend the holiday at the beach. You can also use these suggestions each year when you plan for cheap Christmas vacations for your family.

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Huzaili Aris loves to travel and reveals more tips on how to get cheap airline flights at his website. Get travel destination tips and fun vacation ideas by visiting http://funvacationideas.com/

Island Christmas Vacation: An Alternative to Winter Wonderlands

If you are planning an island Christmas vacation, there are several things to consider. From your destination to your Christmas celebration, you will have to make several choices. It’s best to be prepared.

Here then are some tips to help you pull off the ideal Christmas vacation.

Plan Your Vacation Dates Early- Many island resorts will fill up quickly, as will means of travel. You can also save a lot of money when you book your vacation well in advance.

Pick Your Destination- There are many wonderful island Christmas vacation destinations. You can do some quick research online or speak with a travel agent. Friends and family members who have traveled to some of the islands you are interested in can be a great source of information as well.

Choose Your Means of Travel- Airfare is, of course, the most common means to travel to an island destination. However, you might also consider a cruise. Many of today’s cruise ships will travel to an island and allow you a few days for exploring. Depending upon the cruise package you choose, you might also be able to see several islands over the course of your vacation. This can be a great way to combine two vacations into one.

Plan Your Christmas Celebration-You don’t want to travel to an exotic island over Christmas and forget to celebrate the holiday. Many of the more popular resorts now offer Christmas packages, including airfare, lodging, and an exclusive Christmas celebration. Many of these resorts will offer terrific deals to those who want to stay over to celebrate New Year’s as well.

Look for All Inclusive Deals-You can save a ton of money with an all inclusive deal. These hotel packages include all of your meals, snacks, and some water sports as well. More often than not, alcohol is not included, and neither are service tips or some taxes.

Consider a Condo-You might consider traveling with another couple. Many of the islands have multiple bedroom condos. If you travel with another couple, this can be a terrific way to save some cash, while enjoying a beautiful condo, with all the amenities of home.

When you are looking for the best island Christmas vacation, you might also consider somewhere outside of the normal destinations. Most people immediately think of the Caribbean for island vacations, but there are also some beautiful Mediterranean islands as well. These exotic locales can be a unique and special place for you to spend the holidays. You’re sure to have a terrific time relaxing on the sand. Imagine returning from your vacation with a tan most would envy! An island Christmas vacation would be a great alternative to traditional Christmas festivities. While you may miss some of the hustle and bustle of the season, you’ll be surprised at how much fun you can have while you are soaking up the rays on the beach – a dose of winter suns can also help get rid of acne. The ‘fun in the sun’ factor is one of the biggest attractions of any island Christmas vacation!

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Huzaili Aris loves to travel and reveals more tips on how to get dirt cheap airline flights at his website. Get travel destination tips and fun vacation ideas by visiting http://funvacationideas.com/

5 Tips to Snag Cheap Return Flights To Spain

If you are looking to snag cheap return flights to Spain, there are a number of things to consider. Here are a few tips to help you locate the best fare available for your travel dates.

Be Flexible

If you can book your return flight to Spain with a 14 day advance purchase, you usually can save almost 50 % over the cost of buying the ticket with a 7 day advance. The further out your vacation plans are, the better the fares are. EasyJet is a great airline to find cheap return flights to Spain. The average fare on this carrier from London to Lisbon was 31 pounds. Also consider the airlines low price guarantee. Many airlines will guarantee their fare is the lowest available, however, the airlines will require the difference to be fifty dollars or higher.

Consider Flying to Spain during Off Season

Return flights to Spain from December to March should offer the best deals. This off peak tourist season will usually provide tremendous savings for airfare. Some of the experts say the best time to book a cheap flight is from around the middle of January to the first of March. Flying on a holiday is usually much cheaper than flying the day before or after. Most airline tickets are cheaper during the week as well.

Check out Last-Minute Travel

Sometimes you can find really cheap return flights to Spain at the last minute. The major European airlines almost give away tickets about half an hour before the flight departs. If you are not concerned with specific dates or times, this may be the best deal for you.

Be ready to Purchase your Ticket

Fares change many times during the course of a day. If you find an exceptional fare, be prepared to pay for it. Nothing is more frustrating than calling back to purchase your ticket and finding out the fare has doubled. Many airlines offer the option to place a twenty four hour hold on the reservation, guaranteeing the price. The ticket, however, will be released if you do not call back and purchase it.

Consider a Vacation Package

Vacation package deals offer some of the best discounts available. If you can combine your flight, hotel, and car hire into one great package, the price will be significantly lower than purchasing each aspect separately. Your return flight to Spain may be found at a greatly reduced cost when combine in one of these packages. Many vacation discount agencies are available online to assist you in locating a great deal. These destination specialists are some of the best to consider for a return fare to Spain. They are able to locate the lowest fare by checking many airlines at once. Remember to check the airline sites directly as well. EasyJet offers vacation getaway packages, with rates specially designed for these package deals.

When searching for cheap return flights to Spain, consider the above tips to help you locate the best business plan writer for fares available from your departing airport.

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Huzaili Aris loves to travel and reveals more tips on how to get cheap airline flights at his website. Get travel destination tips and fun vacation ideas by visiting http://funvacationideas.com/

Historic Berlin Zoo

Cheap Hotels in Berlin
The cost of staying in hotels in Berlin can be high, but you can save money on your Berlin hotel room rate with a good hotel price comparison website like netflights.com, who have rooms on offer in Berlin for less than €100.

Getting around in Berlin
When you arrive in Berlin, you can buy a CityTourCard which gives you unlimited travel on Berlin buses, trams, U-Bahn (metro), S-Bahn (railway), and you can buy the Tourcard online before you arrive so it will cover your travel from the Schönefeld Airport or Tegel Airport on arrival. Prices start from €15.90 for 48 hours unlimited travel.  There is another bonus to the CityTourCard that makes Berlin extra cheap for you – your card gets you in free to all museums on the Museumsinsel of Berlin.

Cheap Berlin sightseeing
Berlin Zoo – Tierpark is unmissable, not just for kids.  The city zoo dates back 150 years and the architecture is unique.  Enter from Budapester Strasse through the reconstructed Elephant Gate of 1899 that was completely destroyed in the last war and resurrected in all its original detail in 1984.  Two recumbent elephants of Elbe sandstone bear a sweeping roof ornamented with elaborate carvings and East Asian paintings, making this one of the iconic images of Berlin.

There are plenty of free sights to see as well, like the infamous Checkpoint Charlie, one of the enduring symbols of the divided city.  This was the place where border guards checked the passports of foreign visitors lucky enough to be able to pass between the east and west parts of Berlin.  Another free Berlin sight is the Brandeburg Gate at the top of the Unter den Linden boulevard, which thrived in the 19th century. Now that Berlin is the seat of the German government this area is being restored to its proper glory.

Cheap restaurants in Berlin
It is easy to find cheap Berlin pubs, restaurants and cafes, many serving kebabs or the legendary Currywurst.
Try Zum Schusterjungen, serving traditional East German meals like Schnitzel and Bratkartoffeln since 1989. With main courses from E7, this pub-restaurant is almost always full so get there early. Zum Schusterjungen is off the tourist path in the old Easter sector – Danziger Strasse 9, nearest station is Eberswalder U-Bahn.

More central is Assel, situated on the busy Oranienburger Strasse. This excellent traditional German cellar restaurant’s signature dish is the Existentialist’s Breakfast at €2.50, with main meals from €6. If you are lucky they m ay allow you to play on the ping pong table after your meal. The nearest S-Bahn station is Oranienburger Strasse.
berlin cheap hotels
cheap to berlin

Holidays in Greece – In and Out of the Mainstream

There are many quieter, traditional areas of Greece which repay investigation and can provide an idyllic holiday, away from the more bustling tourist centres. The power of Greece is very much contained in its diversity – many different kinds of holiday are on offer in this ancient country with a traditional heart.

Without doubt, those looking for hedonistic holiday pleasures will never be disappointed – the sun, sea and sand; the warm, lazy days and nights; the waterside wining and dining – it is all here in abundance.

Greece has the second highest number of Blue Flag beaches of any country in the world – an award which confirms and demonstrates the quality and cleanliness of its beaches and sea.

But of course, Greece also has 4000-years of culture and history. Western civilization had its birthplace here, as attested by archaeological sites which include Olympia and Delphi as well as many hundreds of lesser-known location, representing cultures from the early Bronze Age to the sumptuous Byzantine era.

Meanwhile, anyone who has been to Greece will come back with many stories of the Greeks themselves, a friendly, lively and inquisitive people who will always go out of their way to make holidaymakers welcome.

Another great attraction is Greece’s nature and environment. The country has fantastic mountain ranges – especially on the mainland, and so Greece becomes a magnet for walkers and hikers; springtime is an excellent time to go for those interested in flowers – Greece has over 6000 flowering plant species, a third of Europe’s total.

Identifying Greece as a country for the adventurous, the country has literally hundreds of islands which range from little more than a tiny rocky outcrops, to an island as large as Crete, which is almost 180 miles long and has its own unique identity and spirit.

An example group, ideal for island-hopping and finding peace and tranquility as well as holiday hotspots, are the Cyclades. Located in the central Aegean sea, these are most the archetypal Greek islands, with bright, white villages to explore, quaint working harbours, fine secluded beaches, and small chapels all added in the mix. Each island in the Cyclades has its own atmosphere, giving wonderful contrasts with just a few short cruising miles in between.

An example island to discover is Andros, which is just 2 hours by boat from Athens and is the second largest of the Cyclades group, after Naxos. Andros is great for walkers, with mountains and over 70 villages to explore.

All this is so much more accessible than in the past. These days, access to Greek Islands is becoming easier, with more flights arriving from Europe direct to such locations as Kefalonia, Mykonos, Santorini and Kalamata amongst others, a holiday in Greece does not have to start at the main international airport in Athens with its xenon lights.

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Jimi St.Pierre in association with travel correspondent Penny Church, has worked with Sunvil – the “real Greece” – to produce elements of this article. Find Greece holiday brochures online with map-based holiday brochure finder Travelwhere. At http://www.travelwhere.co.uk where you will also find a wide range of holiday brochures featuring Greece and other major holiday destinations.

Sunshine Coast accommodation or Gold Coast accommodation?

If you’ve got some time to spend in South East Queensland, your two choices are the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast. With both destinations being equidistant from Brisbane airport, it can be a tough decision to make.

Depending on the type of holiday you want though, one region may be suitable than the other. Do you want an action-packed holiday with fun and excitement, or do you want to “get back to nature” and relax? Of course, it’s possible to find both in either location, but each has its own specialty.

For example, with a Sunshine Coast holiday, you can visit one of its many individual national parks. In fact, this region boasts more individual national parks than any other Queensland region. In addition, the region is naturally biodiverse, and has been protected by separate parks (five in all) in the hinterland in coastal regions. These include The Great Sandy National Park (including Fraser Island and Cooloola sections near Rainbow Beach), Kondalilla National Park, The Glasshouse Mountains National Park, Mapleton Falls National Park, and Noosa National Park.

The Sunshine Coast doesn’t disappoint; with serene, immaculate beaches perfect for surfing or lazing about, gourmet dining accommodations, boutique style shopping, and of course beautiful nature pursuits. The shopping is diverse, with plenty of salons for help with acne treatment.

A Sunshine Coast holiday can give you the perfect vacation with your family or be a romantic getaway for you and your “significant other.” There are strawberry farms around the Sunshine Coast, so that you can take the kids strawberry picking if you want to, or you can walk through Noosa National Park where you just may be lucky enough to see goanna, koalas, and many bird species including the black cockatoo. Take your family snorkelling among the coves there to see rainbows of fish or turtles meandering about. And visit Eumundi on either Saturday or Wednesday to get a taste of the best country market in the area, particularly for arts and crafts.

If it’s raining, you can go to attractions like the Buderim Ginger Factory, Australia Zoo, Underwater World, Big Pineapple and Aussie World.

Look to Sunshine Coast accommodation for a wide range of places to stay no matter what you want, whether it’s a five-star resort or some time spent camping in the countryside.

If you go to the Gold Coast after you’ve visited the Sunshine Coast, the first thing that will surprise you is the staggering number of high-rise buildings. In fact, this is the sixth most populated city in the country and has an amazing nightlife and many tourist attractions just waiting for you. You may think that the Gold Coast is too busy and has been spoiled with so much construction but, if you feel that way, go to the west of the city. There, the hinterland will give you the tranquillity of the rain forest for a peaceful transition from beach to bush.

Tourist attractions there include amazing surf beaches and theme parks such as Warner Bros. Movie World, Currumbin Sanctuary, Paradise Country, Australian Outback Spectacular, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, Wet’n'Wild Water World, Sea World, and Fleays Wildlife Park.

The Gold Coast also has the Q1, which is the world’s highest residential tower. It has an observation deck on floor 77, a popular tourist attraction since its opening in 2005. It is 322.5 m high, and literally towers over the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Of course, you’re going to be missing something if you don’t partake in a bit of surfing when you visit the Gold Coast. There are 57 km of coastline, as well some of the most popular surf breaks in the country; some are Main Beach, Snapper Rocks Superbank, and Burleigh Heads.

No matter where you choose to take your holiday, and no matter what you want in that holiday, whether it’s an adrenaline fuelled action-packed vacation or relaxing get away, both a Sunshine Coast holiday and Gold Coast holiday will meet your needs.

Choose the holiday you want. It’s there for the asking.

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Roger Laganin runs ocean front Sunshine Coast accommodation at the Catalina Resort, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia where you can relax, play or do business. Find out about their special deals for a limited time only at => http://www.catalinaresort.com.au