The Australian and NZ dollar rise makes travel to the US, Mexico, Asia, Europe, cheaper but travel to New Zealand slightly more expensive at the moment.

Many of my friends are talking advantage of the strong Aussie dollar and travelling to the UK and Europe right now and with the hurricane season ending in November, hotels in acapulco in North America, looks attractive for Christmas holidays, with the Australian dollar having gained 20.8 per cent against the Peso.

Always a bargain destination, Thailand is now even better value, with the $A gaining 16.18 per cent. Also in Asia, popular shopping destination Singapore also offers good value, with the $A rising almost 15 per cent, while Bali has become even cheaper with the dollar rising 11 per cent against the rupiah.

The usually expensive United Kingdom has now become a bargain destination, with the dollar buying 56 pence, a rise of 13 per cent. Even the strong Euro has fallen against our dollar by almost 10 per cent.

Flight Centre spokesman Haydn Long said the main factor in more travelers heading overseas was discounted air fares, particularly on routes to the US and UK.

“I don't think the high Aussie dollar in itself sparks a massive rush for overseas travel, but it is seen as an added bonus,” he said.

A recent review of air fares by Flight Centre found that the combination of discounting with a better exchange rate meant travelers could expect to save more than $500 on return air fares to Los Angeles or London.

Sydney to Los Angeles flights had dropped from about $1600 to $1100, while Sydney to London flights is down to about $1400 from $1900.

Those are similar prices to what I paid on special rates, to travel abroad, more than thirty years ago, proving that international travel has never been more affordable.

Australian tourism venues have however suffered a double whammy with the international financial downturn and the Australian dollar’s rise causing the worst downturn in international tourist numbers with resulting job losses in the hospitality industry.

I remember a wonderful tour of California, at this time of year with the highlight being spending fall, in Yosemite National park, and apart from making an Aussie fool of myself by pronouncing Yosemite so it rhymed with Vegemite, I loved every moment of my visit. Standing in the Yosemite Valley, spellbound by the beauty of the surrounding hillsides covered in alternating deep green pines and brilliant fall coloured deciduous trees, the snow capped mountains behind them reflected in an ice edged flowing river, massive waterfalls in view in any direction, one of which was frozen solid a sight I had never before seen. Deers grazed in grass patches between snow piles. The view took my breath away with its unforgettable beauty, so different to anything I have seen in Australia. Many other areas of Northern California, reminded me of my home land, perhaps why I feel so at home in San Francisco.

 

Would you like Coles or Myers Gift Vouchers for FREE?

If you are interested in a way to turn your TV add and coffee break times into Gift Vouchers, please email me your name and email address so I can send you an invite via the review company, and you too can be paid to have a cuppa, LOL, sure beats paying for one.

I just clicked a box in a web site I found recently, and I have a $20. gift voucher to use at Coles or Myer stores, on its way to me and 100 points still in credit. 

This cost me was nothing, (not even postage) and did not involve any more of my time than the times I spent relaxing with my feet up with my lap top, having a cup of coffee or two in the morning and sitting, feet up again, keeping my man company in the evenings and going on line reviewing a few products I’ve used during the boring to me (footy news) and the advertisement breaks in the main feature over the last two evenings. 

My tally of points for morning coffee and evening add break comments amounts to about $10. per day, it could become more if I wanted a sedentary job, (I don’t), and I also took the time to read other peoples reviews and learned more about products I use.

It was great to have the chance to endorse good products, like the rave reviews I gave for our Eco-Tourer Slipstream caravan and our ‘Troopy’, Toyota, Land cruiser, Work Mate, Troop Carrier.

 

Caravan and motorhome insurance


is one more essential for the gray nomad to shop around for, before leaving for the big trip.

Consider memberships to caravan or motor vehicle service clubs that may give discounts to members. Often combining policies with one insurer will allow for a considerable discount.

Essentials to organize before you leave on a trip.

Have copies of insurance policies with you in the mobile home and the originals in a safe storage area where a nominated family member, next of kin can access these in an emergency.

Organize for automatic bank withdrawals for payment of policy renewals.

Have reminder notes in your diary so you can ensure sufficient funds will be in the account when the automatic renewal date arrives

What is usually covered by RV insurance?

While RV insurance can vary widely from one insurance company to the next, there are some points that are standard:

Personal and third party liability, to cover you, your passengers, and any other vehicle, person or property that may be damaged in an accident.

Comprehensive cover for repairs to the RV after an accident, typically including windscreen replacement.

Contents cover. The standard amount included in your policy ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the company insuring you.

What not usually covered by RV insurance?

RV insurance frequently pays out only the market value of the campervan or motor home when it is destroyed or stolen, rather than paying the full price for a replacement. Also, many policies will not cover certain personal items you carry inside the RV, such as computers.

The photo is of a little accident we had at Mullawa in 2008.  I want to say a huge thank you to Caravan Court, Springvale for expert and affordable servicing of our Eco-Tourer slip stream caravan and repairing the damage from this accident at no charge as part of our warranty. ***** Five stars for excellence of after sales service.  Thank you also to the friendly local with the earth moving equipment who helped us out of the jam we were in. :-).

The best insurance is to do your homework and choose the best travelling home suited to your needs that you can afford. 

Ask other caravanners about the reliability of the RV manufacturer before you buy.