Taking off for a cause

Most airplanes take off with a cause of course, to deliver their passengers to their desired destination.

However, when the first A380 (yes, finally) takes off, it'll be holding more than passengers aloft. Singapore Airlines – the first airline in the world to fly the new Airbus A380 – is preparing for the first commercial flight of the new double-decker jumbo jet, from Singapore to Sydney and return. It will take place in October 2007.

All proceeds from the sale of tickets on the first flight will be donated to charity.

In response to requests from people all over the world to be passengers on the first flight, Singapore Airlines will auction the seats on global online marketplace, eBay.

Bids will be invited for seats on this history-making flight, and winning bidders will know that every dollar they pay will go to worthwhile charities, including The Community Chest in Singapore, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia and Medicins sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders).

All customers will receive a personalised ceremonial certificate confirming they were part of the first-ever commercial A380 flight.

To recieve the latest information and auction updates, register your interest at www.singaporeair.com/a380


Tee off in Phuket

Laguna hotels are offering special “Golf Unlimited” packages this summer, with unlimited daily rounds of golf at the Laguna Phuket Golf Club.

A daily buffet breakfast, welcome drink and in-room fruit platter are all part of this offer.

Valid until 31 October, 2007, these packages are priced from US$130 per night at Laguna Beach Resort for the lagoon room to US$380 at a Banyan Tree Phuket deluxe villa for double occupancy.

Slightly lower rates for single occupancy demands are available. www.lagunaresorts.com

Woo Hua

Plunge pools in your own private garden anyone? With breakfast, high tea and cocktails?

The Sofitel Cetara Resort and Villas Hua Hin are offering an upgrade to a deluxe pool villa or a premium deluxe pool villa to anyone who books a deluxe room (5,800 baht) or a junior sutie (6,900 baht) until the 31st of October, 2007. The offer includes airport transfers and other frills such as free Internet access.

For more details and inofrmation on how to make reservations visit: www.centarahotelsresorts.com/SmartTravelAsia


Sin in the city of angels

Novotel Bangkok Siam Square Bagnkok, tries to lure you into indulging in some very sinful behaviour with its Decadence Package priced at 19,000 baht per night, one of seven created around the Bible’s deadly sins.

Drift in and lose yourself into a world of unbridled pampering, with highlights such as deluxe milk and rose petal baths followed by an in-room massage upon arrival.

Five-course dinners served on your balcony.

From BMW transfers to elaborate buffet breakfasts toevening cabarets, the sinning never stops...well, not until 31 December, 2007. Visit www.novotel.com for further information.


Travel and Tourism news is sourced from etravelblackboard.com, asiatraveltips.com, ttgasia.com, smarttravelasia.com, travelnewsasia.com, and ghcasia.com