Pass presents
A travel voucher is the answer for last-minute gifts
Deep breaths, everyone! Christmas may just be a few days away, but there’s still time to give a loved one the most precious present of all – the gift of travel. And the best thing is you don’t have to rely on it being delivered – just book it online and print a voucher. Feeling better?
Savvy tip 1
Experiences: Red Balloon has 30 per cent off select experiences such as a tandem skydive over St Kilda, now $389, or a Sydney Harbour cruise with three-course lunch for two, now $185. Adrenaline has a Sydney flying lesson for $170 or swimming with seals on the Mornington Peninsula for $330 for two.
Savvy tip 2
Deals: Up to 55 per cent of Australians plan a to take trip in the next year, according to Finder, so it has gathered the top travel deals on sale over Christmas. Virgin Australia has domestic flights from $59; Agoda have taken 30 per cent off hotel stays Australia-wide and Contiki has slashed Australian adventures by 15 per cent.
Savvy tip 3
Memberships: An annual family membership for a zoo in your state is the gift that keeps on giving. Taronga Zoo’s Family Flex Pass is $110 per adult and entitles you and children in your household under 16 to unlimited visits. An annual pass to Melbourne Zoo is $120 for unlimited entry to Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo, plus reciprocal entry to Taronga, Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, Adelaide Zoo, Monarto Safari Park and Perth Zoo.
Savvy tip 4
Hotels: A gift voucher to a hotel or resort can be used for a stay or to dine at an on-site restaurant or visit the spa. Tourism Australia say Rydges, Accor, QT Hotels and Airbnb all offer vouchers for properties Australia-wide.
Savvy tip 5
Buyer beware: Read the fine print, says Canstar Blue’s Megan Birot. “Pay close attention to exclusions like blackout travel periods and expiration dates,” she says. “It’s also worth enquiring about refund and free cancellation policies as this could leave you and the person you’re gifting severely out of pocket should travel plans change.”