Australian holiday home advertising: Technology solutions

OzEscapes Travel Shop

In conjunction with our partners, we are in the process of creating a 'travel shop'. We are planning to incorporate a number of travel tools that we hope you find of use when booking or even travelling to that special rental property (that you will have just booked through us, of course!).

Flights

Direct Flights. -Direct Flights International’s online travel booking engine allows customers to book individual components of air flights, accommodation, car rental, activities and attractions, cruising and travel insurance online.

Flight Corporation - Want to travel in style in NZ? Flight Corporation offer direct charter flights to Nz region`s most popular locations such as: Awaroa Lodge in the Abel Tasman National Park, Karamea or Takaka for Heaphy and Whangapeka Track connections, Farewell Spit, Nelson Lakes, as well as further afield to Marlborough, Picton and Wellington. Nationwide charters are available too.

Flight Centre - Flight Centre has made booking a holiday online extremely easy with the ability to search compare and book Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar all in the place. Plus there is over 20,000 hotels worldwide some offering up to 70% discount. Visitors can either book an amazing last minute deal or book their holiday up to 365 days in advance to guarantee their reservation. It is also possible to compare the prices of Hertz, Budget and EuropCar on the one website. Flight Centre also offers airport parking, insurance, destination information and 100’s of packages.

Car Hire

Avis: Avis Rent A Car System, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate the world's second largest general-use car rental business, providing business and leisure customers with a wide range of services at more than 1,700 locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Latin American/Caribbean region.

Special: Avis Cars from $39 with a FREE upgrade and 100 free kms, per day-available from 1st August until 30th September. Minimum 4 days or 2 days over a weekend. Conditions apply. Click here for reservations and full details.

Budget - Budget is renowned for meticulously maintained vehicles and the absolute best in service. They offer a wide range of cars, 4WDs, and minibuses as well as Australia's largest fleet of trucks and commercial vehicles. Whatever you need, they have the right vehicle at the right price.

globalCARS.com.au - Offers a wide choice of rental cars at discounted prices. Whether you are a business traveler, a family on holiday or a student on a budget, you can get to your destination in safety and comfort while saving money with our competitive prepaid car hire rates. Yes, quality, affordable car hires have never been easier to book.

Insurance

World Nomads - Travel insurance covers a range of adventure activities such as skiing, white water rafting and scuba diving. World Nomads also provides members with a free travel journal and SMS security alerts to make sure you well informed on the road and keep travelling safely.

It's Simple & Flexible You simply buy one travel insurance policy and it doesn't matter where in the World you travel - you're covered! You can buy, extend and claim online from anywhere in the world, 24/7, even if you've already left home! World Nomads offers travel insurance to residents of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States of America but if you’re NOT from one of those and you are intending to travel Australia as part of your next journey, World Nomads can still cover you!

World Nomads partners with some of the best insurers in the world (Allianz Australia, Allianz New Zealand, and World Access). They are all part of the Mondial Assistance Group, the largest travel assistance company in the world, with over 35 call centres in 28 countries.

Globetrekkers.com.au. - They are an agent of ETI Australia Pty Ltd, a company of the Mondial Assistance Group, the worlds largest assistance group with their policies being underwritten by Allianz, one of the largest Insurance companies in the world. Operating online they are able to minimise unnecessary overhead and enhance levels of customer service. This enables Globetrekkers to provide you with the best travel insurance policies at the lowest prices.

1st Cover - Travel insurance for people travelling overseas or domestically. Fully comprehensive policies for all ages. Online approval for pre existing medical conditions. Available for trips of 1 to 365 days. Extend online if overseas.

Ski-Insurance.com.au - They are a NSW based Ski & Snowboarding Insurance Specialist offering excellent online policies at highly competitive prices. Their parent, 1cover, is one of the leading direct travel insurance companies in Australia.

Have the conveniance of parking at the airport...no queuing for taxis, hauling of baggage etc. Park at the airport instead. Airport Parking provides indoor and outdoor airport parking all across Australia and New Zealand and can save you up to 70%!!. Book On Line NOW and reserve your parking. They provide parking for the following:

Australian entry formalities - read on if you're coming from outside of Australia!

Travellers to Australia need a valid passport or similar certificate of identification. Everyone, except travellers with Australian or New Zealand passports, requires a visa or an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) to enter Australia. New Zealand passport holders apply for a visa upon arrival in Australia. All other passport holders must hold a visa or ETA before travelling to Australia.

Visas & ETAs
Instant Online Visas - Apply Here
An ETA is equivalent to a visa, but there is no stamp or label in your passport and there is no need for you to visit an Australian diplomatic office to submit an application. If you are eligible, the ETA is issued electronically by a computer system operated for the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) of Australia.For further information on tourist visas, working holidays, business visits, students, immigration, Electronic Travel Authority (ETAs), visas and other useful contacts visit the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs website. For the location of your nearest Australian consulate go to www.immi.gov.au/contacts/overseas.htm

Customs
There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.

Tax Free/Duty Free
Each traveller over 18 years of age can bring into Australia 1125ml of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free. For other goods, including those intended as gifts, a duty/tax-free allowance of $A400 per person or $A200 per person under 18 is available. These articles must accompany you through Customs and must not be intended for commercial purposes.

Cash and foreign currency
If you bring in or take out of Australia more than $A10,000 cash or the equivalent in foreign currency (travellers cheques excluded), you must declare it to Customs. Failure to do is an offence.

Medications
Medicinal products brought into Australia are subject to strict controls and should be declared on arrival. It is advisable to have a letter or prescription from your doctor describing your medical condition and the medication.

Luggage inspection
Luggage and hand baggage may be inspected before passengers board domestic and international flights. Also upon arrival into Australia all luggage may be inspected. You need to declare all items of a quarantine concern, otherwise you may be fined or prosecuted. For further information please see Australian Customs Service.

Passenger Movement Charge
Australia's Passenger Movement Charge (departure tax) is $A38 per person and is pre-paid with your international airline ticket. Exemptions apply to children under 12 years and 24 hour transit passengers.

There may be other government, airport and sea taxes and levies applicable which are usually included in your ticket.

Quarantine
Australia’s environment is unique. Quarantine helps keep it that way. Food, plant and animal products from overseas could introduce destructive pests and diseases to the country. You can help protect our unique environment by declaring quarantine items on arrival in Australia. Quarantine items include fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, skins, feathers, wood and plants. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) screens or X-rays all luggage and uses sniffer dogs to find high-risk products. AQIS also provides bins at international airports for travellers to dispose of quarantine items. Failure to declare food, plant and animal material could result in serious fines. For further information see the AQIS web site.

Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before arrival. No other health certificate is required to enter Australia. For further information see Department of Health and Aged Care and World Health Organisation.

Menulog.com.au - Don't wish to arrive at your desination having to cook or have the chance of being booked out by that restaurant? Menulog is the comprehensive eating out guide complete with great special deals and offers users access to an extensive array of user and critic reviews. It allows you to book a table online at any restaurant and even order home delivery online from hundreds of their favourite restaurants. Features include: