Flights To Fancy

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

Orchid Cruise Halong Bay: The Best Halong Bay Luxury Cruise

Bridge of Orchid cruise Halong Bay at sunset

*** Updated December 2019 ***

Halong Bay is one of the most visited areas in Vietnam and for good reason. The UNESCO World Heritage site in the Gulf In Tonkin is truly spectacular. The best way to see the stunning seascapes, limestone cliffs and 1600 odd islands and islets is on a Halong Bay luxury cruise. The cruise you choose can truly make or break the experience. There are literally hundreds of boats to chose from and it can be a mine field navigating the options. I searched through all the best Halong Bay cruises to find one perfect for our needs before deciding on Orchid Cruise Halong Bay. Our luxury Halong Bay cruise was an absolute highlight of our Vietnam trip and I cannot speak highly enough of about every single aspect of the experience. This is by no means a budget cruise, but if ever there was a time to splurge a little, this is it. I loved our Orchid Cruise Halong Bay so much I returned in October 2019 with a group of 11 ladies and we all had an amazing time. Read on for all the details …

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110+ Amazing Things To Do In Bali

Fash Packing: 110+ Amazing Things To Do In Bali

Bali is dubbed The Island Of The Gods. This tiny speck of land attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe. Many, like me, return time and time again. I have been to Bali seven times now and typically return twice a year to indulge in some aaahhhh and aaahhhh, so I have a pretty good handle on what the island has to offer visitors. In fact, my 23 unexpected activities in Bali post is my most popular by far. Clearly the people have spoken! I’m all about giving you what you want so I have created a bumper list of 110+ things to do in Bali which is sure to inspire. Read on for all the details …

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Why You Need A Peptame Hair Treatment Before You Fly

Flights To Fancy: Why You Need Peptame Before Your Next Trip - Magani Pool

I spend an inordinate amount of time trying to tame my wavy hair into stick straight submission. When I’m in Sydney, I go to the hairdresser every week for a wash and blow dry and my trusty straighteners are always in reach. I don’t want that burden when I travel. I still want my hair to look good and be easy to manage (which it is NOT when it is a frizzy tangled mess!), but I don’t want to miss out on the fun by spending precious hours styling. Surely there is a better way? Well there is. Hold on to you hats ladies because Peptame is here! A Peptame hair treatment before you jet off makes managing your locks while travelling a whole lot easier. I tried it before my recent trip to Bali and I’m hooked. Read on for all the details …

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Tasmanian Road Trip: 6 Days In The Spectacular East

Flights To Fancy: Tasmanian Road Trip - Bay Of Fires

*** Updated January 2020 ***

Growing up in the western suburbs of Sydney money didn’t grow on trees (according to my Mum anyway) and our annual family holiday usually meant a road trip in the trusty Kingswood. Fast forward 40 years and after enduring enjoying my fair share of road trips with my own kids, Low Cost Carriers (LCC’s) are changing the face of domestic travel. Australia is a huge country and going anywhere other than ‘just up the road’ means long hours behind the wheel so I can certainly understand the appeal of a quick, cheap flight. That said, the great Aussie road trip is the unfortunate victim of these bargain basement fares. We are raising a whole generation that may never know the joy of travelling in a car packed to the rafters on a scorching summer day with endless whines of ‘are we there yet’ coming from the back seat. Good times! Even with the advent of cheap flights, I’m not quite ready to put the road trip out to pasture just yet. On our recent Tasmanian road trip, The Hubs and I explored Hobart, The Freycinet Peninsula, The Bay Of Fires and Launceston, taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen. Read on for all the details …

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Bicheno Tasmania: Freycinet’s Most Affordable Town

Flights To Fancy: Bicheno Tasmania: Freycinet's Most Affordable Town - Bicheno Beach

As an Aussie who travels regularly to SE Asia, I am always shocked by just how expensive it is to travel in my home country. Freycinet Tasmania has long been on my bucket list, but the cost has always held me back. I just couldn’t justify dropping $2k on a bed for the night, no matter how fabulous that bed was. I knew there had to be a way to see this magnificent part of the world without selling my first born and I was determined to find it. Bicheno Tasmania is a real gem. It’s about 18klms from the world famous Freycinet National Park and just as spectacular, but the prices are a world away. Read on for all the details …

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The Prickly Cactus Launceston: A Mexican Twist

Flights To Fancy: The Prickly Cactus Launceston A Twist On Mexican - Exterior

I’ve eaten lots of Mexican food in my time. From the famous Fajitas I make at home to the delight of my family and friends to a favorite Cantina we visit every time we go to Oahu, the appeal is strong. How can you resist the promise of hot and spicy dishes that you eat with your hands without being frowned on? The Prickly Cactus Launceston is in a central location and puts it own unique twist on a raft of Mexican classics. Read on for all the details …

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Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston: Location & Value

Flights To Fancy: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston Location & Value - Exterior

If you have read any of my previous hotel reviews you will know that I favour sleek, light-filled, contemporary spaces, so it may come as a bit of a shock to find me in a heritage hotel for the last stop on our Tasmanian road trip. I initially scrolled straight past the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston in the list of 30 or so hotels that met my search criteria based on the heritage façade alone. After checking the whole list, it became clear that heritage dominates the scene in Lonnie and I was going to have to make some compromises. The Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston ticked most of my boxes, and won me over with a great location and excellent value. Read on for all the details …

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Black Cow Bistro Launceston: Australia’s Best Steak?

Flights To Fancy: Black Cow Bistro Launceston Australia's Best Steak? - Steak Board

When I started planning my Tasmanian road trip, there was one place guaranteed to make the itinerary; The Black Cow Bistro Launceston. I first visited the Black Cow 4 years ago with friends after visiting Cradle Mountain and have been talking it up to The Hubs ever since. The fact that the Black Cow Bistro Launceston etched itself so firmly in my memory is testament to the food quality. I couldn’t wait to get back for another taste of what is quite possibly Australia’s best steak. If you love beef, put the Black Cow Bistro Launceston at the very top of your list when you are in town. Read on for all the details …

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