Virgin, Qantas launch direct flights to fabulous locations
Winter is coming but these new airline routes offer plenty of warm-weather options.
Winter is coming but these new airline routes offer plenty of warm-weather options.
Crystal-clear waters, untouched beaches, dense green forests and roaring waterfalls. There was never a dearth of reasons to head to the South Pacific island nation of Samoa for a holiday. But the launch of direct Virgin Australia flights from Sydney and Brisbane has just made planning a vacation in this tropical escape easier.
The journey - about five hours from Sydney and four hours from Brisbane - takes travellers to Apia. Immerse yourself in the culture and colour of the capital city, or travel a bit further to the island's tranquil west coast, where you can switch off at an ocean-front hideaway such as Le Vasa Resort.
There's good news for people living on the eastern seaboard of Australia and keen to head west, too, with Qantas soon offering direct flights between Melbourne and Exmouth. Launching on April 30, the twice-weekly flights will be about five hours long, taking visitors into the heart of the Ningaloo region, renowned for unparalleled natural beauty, luxury resorts and experiences such as swimming with whale sharks. virginaustralia.com, qantas.com
Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
Travel's Top Picks
Travel's Most Viewed
Bye-bye, French fry benders: How to travel without derailing your health habits
I wanted to experience the real Japan, so I followed the locals
Australia's credit card overhaul: travel perks are on the chopping block
6 best travel deals of the week: save over 50 per cent on a Miami-return cruise
Western Sydney airport transport: free parking, $15 daily rates and $25 shuttles
