Affordable travel options galore
IF you prefer all-inclusive trips for adults and kids, check out a cruise holiday.
With Royal Caribbean’s short cruises from three up to five nights among the most popular cruises with Malaysians, enjoy a buy one, get one free offer this MATTA Fair, on board the Voyager of the Seas, sailing Apr 30 to June 21 and Quantum of the Seas this Nov 16 until Apr 26 next year.
Or consider the new Spectrum of the Seas, which features new experiences like the Sky Pad, a virtual reality bungee trampoline among others.
Choose the seven-night Philippines and Japan cruise from Shanghai to Subic Bay and Okinawa, or the nine-night Far East trip from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh, Nha Trang, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Spectrum of the Seas has discounts of up to 50% per person.
Also available are Australian, the Mediterranean and Alaskan cruises with “onboard credits” to spend, plus MATTA discounts.
European river voyages
River cruises open up new ways to see Europe, especially on board floating luxury hotels of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, one of the best river cruise lines.
Your package includes welcome at the airport and all meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), sightseeing and tips for a carefree holiday.
Starting with seven nights, a host of options are available, including Castles Along the Rhine, Enchanting Danube, Burgundy and Provence and more from as low as RM8,915 per person.
You also get a US$100 (RM409) shipboard credits per person to use for purchasing gifts onboard or get a pampering massage.
Hop Down Under
Australia remains one of the most wellloved destinations among Malaysians. Holiday Tours’ Premier Aussie Specialist team has cooked up some great trips and equally great bargains for you to discover the very best that Australia has to offer.
Get hopping Down Under with three-night Australia Citipac offers starting from A$242 (RM695), which includes accommodation, daily breakfast and a selection of must-see tours.
Those who prefer complete flexibility, take the pre-designed self-drive itineraries and explore as far as Western Australia’s Pink Lake. Or get a campervan for a Pacific Coast trip from Brisbane to Sydney.
The dazzling Vivid Sydney festival of lights is back from May 24 to June 15. A five-day package to the event starts at A$480 (RM1,379) per person and includes accommodation, admission tickets, with visits to Sydney’s iconic sights and more.
Asean retreats
Choose from popular Vietnamese destinations: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh or lesserknown Hoi An, Nha Trang or Dalat. In addition to a special MATTA discount, save with the “pay three, fourth person free” offer.
Other Asean destinations include Indonesia with highlights on the new destination Banyuwangi with its unique arts, culture and surroundings.
Unique events in Japan and South Korea
Holiday Tours offers two unique events in South Korea to tickle your fancy: both a fiveday trip – the Sakura Festival in Boryeong and the Boryeong Mud Festival.
Beginning in Seoul, the trip includes stopping at Jeonju Hanok Village before arriving at Boryeong.
The Sakura Festival is from Apr 1-15 with highlights at Jusan Cherry Blossom street, a 6km stretch of Boryeong’s best cherry blossoms. The Boryeong Mud Festival from July 19-28 attracts the largest number of international visitors who are keen to experience Boryeong’s mineral-enriched mud.
For a relaxing trip to Japan, choose a Hokkaido four-day package that includes accommodation at Karaksa Hotel Sapporo, return airport transfers, half day Sapporo tour and one full day Otaru tour.
Another choice is the five-day Kyoto and Osaka package that comes with return airport transfers, accommodation, breakfast and a tour of your choice.