Flights To Fancy

Travelling the world in luxury for less a week at a time

Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class: Step Back In Time

Flights To Fancy: Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class - Train On Bridge

There is something very special about travelling by train. No I’m not talking about the mind numbing daily commute that most of us are forced to endure to get to the office and back. I’m talking about something altogether different. There are a relatively small number of iconic rail journeys on the planet but they usually have astronomical price tags that put them out of reach of many. What if I told you there is a way to recapture the glory of yesteryear on one of Australia’s most iconic heritage rail journeys for less than $50? For a little extra, the Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class experience includes comfy chairs, delicious nibbles, stunning views and champagne. You in? Read on for all the details …

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The Abbott Boutique Hotel Cairns: Contemporary Chic

Flights To Fancy: The Abbott Boutique Hotel Cairns - Bedroom

It’s been over 10 years since I last visited Cairns. This much loved Aussie city in Queensland’s Tropical North is the gateway to The Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. With two stunning natural wonders on the doorstep, it’s no surprise that visitors flock to this beautiful part of the world in their thousands. Whether they are heading to the reef, or the rainforest, or both, they all have one thing in common; they need a comfortable place to lay their head each night. When I first started researching accommodation, I felt like I was caught in a time warp and nothing had changed in the decade since I was last there. All the ‘top end’ hotels that I generally gravitate towards had a mixed bag of comments on Trip Advisor that indicated they were all showing their age and in drastic need of a makeover. And they came with hefty price tags. At the other end of the scale, backpacker joints abound with varying degrees of cleanliness and horrific reviews. Neither of these options appealed. When I looked further into ‘the middle ground’, I despaired of ever finding something that would suit our needs until I found The Abbott Boutique Hotel Cairns. If you are looking for a contemporary hotel in the heart of all the action then this little gem is for you. Read on for all the details …

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Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns: Above The Canopy

Flights To Fancy: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns - Cablecar over Barron River

I’ve been to Cairns many times and every visitor to this magical part of the world knows there are two big draws in Tropical North Queensland; the reef and the rainforest. Sure there are lots of other things to do in Cairns, but these are the big guns. All my previous trips to Cairns have revolved around exploring The Great Barrier Reef but this trip was all about the rainforest. The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area stretches from Townsville to Cape Tribulation and is one of Mother Nature’s greatest achievements. This massive region is home to over 150 managed walks but there is only one way to see this natural wonder from above. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns offers visitors the unique opportunity to view the magnificent canopy from a completely different angle and is not to be missed. Read on for all the details …

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Q: Where to Eat In Hanoi? A: Red Bean Restaurant Hanoi!

Flights To Fancy: Red Bean Restaurant Hanoi - Coconut Beef

*** Updated December 2019 ***

When you think of eating in Vietnam you almost certainly think of street food. The vibrant street food scene dominates the city and while we loved our beef salad at Bun Bo Nam Bo we wanted something just a little bit fancier. After doing extensive research (i.e. googling ‘where to eat in Hanoi’) we stumbled on Red Bean Restaurant Hanoi. I was initially drawn to the authentic local cuisine at Red Bean Hanoi and I loved the relaxed atmosphere. While I wanted to step up my game from the street, I didn’t want to have to don my ball gown to do it. Who am I kidding? I don’t even own a ball gown let alone have one tucked away in my luggage. Read on for all the details …

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How To Get Cut Price Airline Perks With Optiontown

Flights To Fancy: How To Get Cut Price Airline Perks With Optiontown - Plane Window Sunset

As I am typing this I am sitting at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat airport onboard Vietnam Airlines flight VN773 bound for Sydney. I don’t often write my posts on the go, but I really wanted to capture how I felt ‘in the moment’ before my memory became jaded. Why? Because I’m more that just a little bit pleased with myself that I took a chance and registered for an Optiontown empty seat option all those months ago. I have to admit I was skeptical that it would actually come off, but here I am stretched out across 3 seats in my ‘economy class flat bed’ with a grin a mile wide on my face. The Hubs is doing the same in the row in front and we can hardly believe that we have six seats all to ourselves! If you want to enjoy your next flight with a little more room for a fraction of the cost, read on for all the details …

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Is Bun Bo Nam Bo Hanoi The Best Street Food In Hanoi?

Flights To Fancy: Is Bun Bo Nam Bo Hanoi The Best Street Food In Hanoi? Restaurant Exterior

Before my first trip to Vietnam everyone told me that I had to eat street food in Hanoi. Once I starting reading menus I realised that there are heaps of Vietnamese staples that I can’t (or won’t) eat. I don’t eat pork. I don’t eat fish. I don’t eat innards. I don’t eat mushrooms. I don’t like soup. And I can’t eat eggs. So while I really wanted to try the best street food in Hanoi I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t find anything to appeal. Then I found Bun Bo Nam Bo Hanoi. Want to know how I fared? Read on for all the details …

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Vietnamese Water Puppets: Thang Long Theatre Hanoi

Flights To Fancy: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre - Stage

*** Updated December 2019 ***

When I was researching things to do in Hanoi ahead of my recent trip to Vietnam, one of the first items to make my list was a Vietnamese water puppets performance. This traditional art has been practiced for centuries and something every visitor should experience. While there are many venues, The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi is ahead of its class. I returned to Hanoi two years later and made a return visit with the ten other ladies in our group. For a glimpse into exactly what you can expect from a visit read on for all the details … [Read more…]

Hanoi Glance Hotel Review: Best Budget Hotel In Hanoi

Flights To Fancy: Hanoi Glance Hotel Review - Breakfast Room

We arrived at the Hanoi Glance Hotel late at night after travelling all day on Vietnam Airlines to Saigon plus a connecting VietJet flight to Hanoi. We were grubby, tired and short on patience after a day where nothing seemed to go to plan. Stepping through the doors, we felt like the last team to arrive after a manic leg of the amazing race. Our suspicion that we were last to check in was confirmed when the beaming receptionist greeted us by name on approach and had all our paperwork ready to go. The lobby was compact, modern and spotless which coupled with the receptionist’s efficiency set an amazing first impression that continued throughout our stay. If you are looking for a budget hotel in Hanoi that doesn’t skimp on the niceties then read on for all the details of my Hanoi Glance Hotel review …

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