Gray Nomad,  gray with an a for active seniors lifestyle.
 
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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.

 
 


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