Picks Of The Week

Sun Herald

Sunday June 10, 2007

Debbie Hunter

When secrets become a big deal

IF you think a five-star getaway in the city is beyond your budget, think again. Lastminute.com is offering huge discounts on accommodation ranging from three- to five-star when booked online. The hotel name is kept a secret until you book. Current Secret Hotels deals include five-star harbour view rooms from $250 a night (normally $395), or deluxe city accommodation with breakfasts and massages from $330 (normally $810). See www.lastminute.com.au.

The retreat

GUESTS often rave about the seafood feasts at Kims Beach Hideaway at Toowoon Bay. To guarantee that they have only the freshest available, the owners at Kims are offering guests a chance to catch their own seafood from their 14-metre traditional Huon pine fishing boat, Antares. The retreat's talented chefs will then cook it for your lunch. It may also be a perfect chance to spot a few humpback whales as they migrate north. Now is the season. Price is on application and subject to availability. See www.kims.com.au for more information.

The airline

JETSTAR has renewed its promise to offer the lowest air fares around Australia. If you find a cheaper domestic fare to the same city, on the same date and at the same time (within one hour) offered by one of Jetstar's competitors, the airline will double the difference in a Jetstar voucher when the Jetstar fare is purchased. Claims cannot be made after a booking has taken place. Vouchers, which are valid for six months, can be used towards future travel booked with Jetstar. If you have found a lower fare phone 1300 369 516 or see www.jetstar.com for information.

The hire car

WHILE the first rule of travel is to carry insurance, a first-aid kit is also vital, no matter where the destination or what the in-flight carry-on limit. So it's comforting to learn that Hertz New Zealand is installing emergency first-aid kits into all its rental vehicles, in addition to offering a 24-hour medical hotline. Each kit includes a first-aid chart, bandages, plasters, disposable gloves, antiseptic wipes, sterile eye pads and a survival blanket. For those who need to contact a doctor, the Hertz Medical Assist service can be accessed by phoning a toll-free telephone number that is printed on the rental car key tag. For further details see www.hertz.co.nz.

INTERNET CAFE

Genevieve Say emails

from the Mellow Yellow Backpackers Hostel,

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

What to do with only 30 hours in Rio? Enjoy views from the statue of Christ the Redeemer, sip a caipirinha on Copacabana Beach and visit Rocinha, one of the world's largest favelas (slums). Drug lords rule Rio's favelas, and our presence has been noted. About 200,000 squatters squeeze into Rocinha's rickety shoebox shanties that cling to the steep hillside. We weave our way through a maze of narrow alleys, stepping over raw sewage while being greeted by barefooted children. Outsiders are welcome to visit, our guide explains, provided we do not photograph anyone with guns. "That way, nobody gets hurt."

GIVEAWAY

Our internet cafe winner receives a Kathmandu Travel Essentials Package valued at $153.50. Email travelshd@fairfax.com.au and tell us your holiday highlights in 100 words. Include the name and address of the internet cafe or hotel you are emailing from, plus contact details in Australia. To find out more about Kathmandu, see www.kathmandu.com.au.