travel
The Ghan, MacDonnell Ranges, NT.
Journey Beyond takes you even further
Adelaide-based overland tour operator Journey Beyond is now offering 2025 itineraries allowing travellers to tour Australia by land and sea.
Highlights include a 15-day Outback to Ocean journey, starting in Adelaide on The Ghan, before cruising the Kimberley with PONANT. There’s also a 21-day New Guinea Odyssey from Adelaide, with exploration of the ancient Fiords of Cape Nelson and the remote Tami Islands.
There are a range of 2025 itineraries on offer, where you can pair a world-class train journey with an adventure on the sea with Journey Beyond’s cruise partners.
RAA members save on a range of Journey Beyond tours. Visit travel.raa.com.au or call 8202 4589 to find out more.
3 heavenly Hawaiian havens
Imagine your next tropical escape at one of these great hotels.
FAIRMONT ORCHID
Fairmont Orchid is a slice of paradise on Hawaii’s Big Island. Relax on the hotel’s private beach, unwind at the spa and enjoy a round of golf.
VOLCANO HOUSE
Volcano House is Hawaii’s oldest and only hotel in the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Awake to spectacular views 1291m above sea level, with options from camping to luxury rooms.
OUTRIGGER KONA RESORT AND SPA
Offering fun for the whole family, this hotel has a waterslide, oceanfront pools, ukulele classes, hula lessons, and plenty of food options.
Book your next holiday with RAA Travel. Visit travel.raa.com.au for details.
Val di Funes, Dolomites, Italy.
Roaming Italy is an Australian favourite
Italy is the European destination of choice for South Australian travellers, according to new research from RAA Travel.
Travellers are also opting to explore the country’s smaller towns and cities over bustling metropolises.
RAA Travel General Manager Gina Norman says the uptake of slow-travel options lets visitors spend more time immersing themselves in the culture at each stop and travelling sustainably.
“Travellers are slowing down and spending more time in each destination,” Gina says. “Italian rail journeys have increased in popularity. They're a great way to take the scenic route and explore smaller towns."
The red city of Bologna, fair Verona and the mountainous Dolomites, as well as other off-the-beaten- track destinations, are being chosen over typical ports of call like Rome, Venice and Florence.
Italy’s generally mild weather, romantic cities and exceptional food and wine make it a drawcard for SA travellers all-year round.
Book your Italian adventure with RAA Travel. Visit travel.raa.com.au for details.
Visa-free entry to China for Australians
Australians travelling to China no longer need to fork out $110 for a visa if they’re staying 15 days or less in the Asian country.
As of 1 July, Australia was added to China’s visa-waiver program which means tourists travelling on an Australian passport only need a visa if they’re staying longer than 15 days or looking to work or study.
Australian tourists no longer need to demonstrate in-country accommodation or present a return ticket.
Chinese tourism is looking to return to pre-pandemic booking numbers. Following the visa announcement, Australian searches for holidays to China surged by 80 per cent, demonstrating a strong appetite for the region.
RAA members eager to explore China’s 5000-year-old civilisation, legendary cuisine and diverse scenery can visit travel.raa.com.au for more information.
Qatar Airways named world's best
Qatar Airways has been voted the world’s best airline at the 2024 World Airline Awards.
The airline also won eight other categories, including World’s Best Business Class.
Singapore Airlines ranked second and Emirates came in third place. Qantas placed 24th in the world and was voted the cleanest airline in the Australia/ Pacific region.
This year celebrates 25 years of the World Airline Awards providing an independent gauge of travellers' satisfaction.
Sun sets for P&O in Australia
Australian sailings for P&O Cruises Australia will cease operations in March 2025, with all sailings after March being cancelled.
Parent company Carnival Corporation will absorb the brand and transition some ships and itineraries into their own line.
Affected RAA members will have been contacted by RAA Travel agents about how they wish to proceed.
If you have questions about your booking, visit travel.raa.com.au or call 8202 4589.
IMAGES: Journey Beyond, Getty.
