intl weekend away - march/april

[diningdecadence]

Hi all,

i've made a significant purchase of a portable item and i'd like to claim the GST back. Thinking a weekend away with the mrs, add on 1 maybe 2 days annual leave to make it a long weekend.

options discussed so far include Bangkok, Singapore or Fiji.

anyone with suggestions are welcomed with open arms!

if we travelled 6+ hours i'd look to use miles for a J or F ticket, otherwise we'll travel Y and get a better room (Fiji). Most of the Fiji threads on here are > 1 year old so hoping for some fresh input. Singapore is a regular haunt, whilst we've never been to Bangkok.

cheers

 

[RooFlyer]

If Fiji - you can get a helicopter ride to a number of island resorts NW off Nadi straight after you pick up your bags, so you are in your room in under an hour after landing.

Look at Vomo; out of school holidays its a great grown-ups resort, which occupies its own island.

 

[Mark3000]

One problem is that you can really only save $90 because of the $900 limit coming back in to Australia. Double that though if a couple.
I was very tempted to try to get a GST refund on a $4000 MacBook but chickened out

 

[JohnK]

I was very tempted to try to get a GST refund on a $4000 MacBook but chickened out

Don't forget 20% depreciation as well as your $900 allowance.

 

[Mark3000]

Don't forget 20% depreciation as well as your $900 allowance.

Yes, true, good point

 

[Hvr]

And Auckland is close enough that it can be done as a real weekend away with only a few hours travel.

 

[Mark3000]

How about
New Caledonia - Isle de Pins is lovely

New Sheraton amanuca in Fiji

 

[Alanslegal]

Noumea?

Auckland might be doable if you go all out and fly EK F return

 

[nonpop]

+1 to Fiji ... the flight times make it ideal for a quickie:

Take the 6:30am out of Syd and land 11:30am Nadi.
Bet at pool side just after lunch with coughtail & Kindle in hand.

Return on the 18:30 departure and arrive Syd 22:00.

 

[diningdecadence]

Noumea?

Auckland might be doable if you go all out and fly EK F return

interesting option - is it full service?

i have heard reports EK offer upgrades a few days prior to departure - can anyone confirm?

sounds like most people are suggesting a 4 hour flight is far enough?

 

[boomy]

Depends which type of holiday you have in mind.
Fiji and Isle de Pines for relaxation.
New Zealand for a bit more active holiday.
Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong for good hotels, food and shopping.
Personally I don't mind flying 8-9 hours in J/F for a long weekend as I see it as a fun part of the holiday