Emirates gives you more luggage allowance and free hotels!

Emirates has today unveiled a 10kgs increase in its free checked baggage allowance, giving it one of the most generous baggage policies of any airline today.
Economy Class passengers now have a baggage allowance of 30kgs – up from 20kgs, the Business Class allowance has increased from 30kgs to 40kgs, and First Class from 40kgs to 50kgs.
These new, generous allowances have been implemented across the airline's extensive global network of over 100 destinations.

And as if that isn't enough, Emirates are also offering first and business class travellers complimentary luxury accommodation in Dubai for travel between 14 April – 30 September 2009 - and it's not just one night!
First class passengers receive three (3) consecutive complimentary nights and Business Class passengers receive two (2) consecutive complimentary nights at one of the following hotels..
Jumeirah Emirates Towers , Park Hyatt Dubai and Atlantis, The Palm.

Contact one of our consultants now to check availability and for your personal tailor made quote flying with Emirates.

ABTA makes us pick of the month's new brochures.. click the image to enlarge and read all about it!

Annette's trip to Singapore and Thailand - part one

Things got off to a flying start when I took my seat in business class on the brand new Qantas A380 - a fully flat bed on the upper deck, smooth flight, fab food and drinks and arrived in to Singapore relaxed and ready to go....thoughts of the office were already 6000 miles away!

Whisked off by private car to the Fullerton Hotel, and approx 30 minutes after checking in was lying beside their infinity pool taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Singapore. The hotel is fantastic and highly recommended. For a start it's not the typical high rise structure in Singapore - it was the original General Post Office, so the classic architecture is outstanding, yet inside it has a wonderful modern feel and all the trappings you'd expect of a 5 star property.

It was my 3rd visit but it was 9 years since I'd been to Singapore, yet I really felt like I was visiting a new destination - the whole city seemed more vibrant somehow and no longer the boring, safe alternative to Bangkok in my humble opinion. I was holidaying with my Mum who lives in New Zealand and had never been to Asia before, so it was great to get her opinion too with a pair of fresh eyes....I, of course, am completely biased towards all the fabulous product that we recommend to our clients and already know it's the best in the business!

In an action-packed couple of days, we went on the Singapore Flyer (their version of the London Eye and an excellent way to acquaint yourself with the city), wandered through Chinatown and Little India, dined at Clarke Quay, drank at Raffles Bar and shopped (a little extravagantly it has to be said!) in Orchard Road.

We were then ready to experience something completely different, and boarded the Star Clipper on a 7 night sailing to Phuket. This is no cruise experience - for a start there's no casino, nightclub and thousands of fellow passengers - this is a tall ship with up to just 170 passengers and is a relaxed, intimate experience sailing leisurely from Singapore to Phuket. I've never been on anything like this before so was a bit apprehensive as to what to expect, but it was thoroughly enjoyable experience...and lovely to unpack the suitcase for a week and not to have to see an airport for a while!

Along the way, we stopped a couple of times in Malaysia plus a few Thai islands who's names escape me - all offering fabulous scenery and a range of optional tours along the way. The weather was perfect and by this stage the tan was coming along nicely! I even managed to catch up with some Bridge & Wickers clients on board, and got to buy them a cocktail and hear tales of their wonderful trip to Thailand, they'd just come from Koh Lanta & Chiang Mai where we were heading next after Phuket...!

It's been one of the cleverest PR stunts of all time, but the quest to find a suitable candidate for the 'best job in the world' is now over. A Pom, 34 year old Ben Southall, beat more than 30,000 applicants for the AS$ 150,000 assignment to spend six months enjoying Hamilton Island in Queensland in return for writing a weekly blog of his experiences.

Bridge & Wickers can't offer any jobs on the islands, famed for their azure waters, brilliant beaches and easy access to the underwater treasures of the Great Barrier Reef, but we can arrange a 'best holiday in the world.' A four night stay at the 5 star Beach Club, including a full day cruise to the Reef, costs from £654pp.

Ben's job begins on July 1 but we'll take you to Hamilton whenever you want to see what all the fuss is about.

Air New Zealand doubles Premium Economy

AIR NEW ZEALAND, one of the first airlines to offer a premium economy cabin, is to is to double the number of seats on offer for its entire eight-strong Boeing 777 fleet. With the first aircraft already in service work on all the 777s will be completed by mid-June. At the sametime the airline has added more legroom, with seat pitch increased to 41in (104cm) from 38in (97cm). Also added is a self-service bar area for customers travelling in premium cabins. Passengers in Pacific Premium Economy are offered business class food, beverages and amenities. The upgrade is the third in two years, with ANZ twice increasing the number of premium economy seats available on its747-400s, now up to 39. Contact us now about a quote to include the comfort of flying premium economy to New Zealand..