Most travellers need some down time as part of their trip so why not incorporate one of Australia’s islands into your visit.

Australia has in fact over 8000 islands and whilst you wouldn’t want to visit every single one, there is something to please everyone.

There are islands that are great for the classic tropical island getaway, others that are better for walking, those that are great for the food and wine buff and those that are more value for money or better for a family.

The Whitsundays are probably the most famous of the Australian Island Getaways. They are however well and truly on the tourist trail and are very expensive. Still worth the visit though! This article will instead focus on two islands that are very popular with the locals and are not as well trodden by the tourist.

Queensland’s Magnetic Island

This island is 12km from Townsville which is in Queensland. There is a lot to be said for taking this island getaway as it offers pristine beaches for a fraction of the cost of most of Queensland’s islands, particularly when compared against the Whitsundays.

This is the place for you if you want to lounge on a beach, go swimming, snorkel or even do a bit of walking. Magnetic Island has its own National Park and you can’t miss Mount Cook which protrudes from its centre. The bays are a plenty and very pretty with some lovely walks to enjoy. It’s also popular with families as there are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy.

If you fancy some water sports action then there is plenty to choose from on Magnetic Island. Sailing around the secluded bays is a popular choice, as is sea kayaking. It is also an excellent place to learn to dive as it is relatively inexpensive compared to many areas and the marine life is excellent. For those wanting to stay dry, then why not have a go at horse-riding at Horseshoe Bay.

Another good thing about the island is that it is small enough to drive around in just half a day, but still big enough to offer good amenities including shops and reasonably priced accommodation.

Getting around the island is easy. There’s a small bus service, you can hire bikes as well as cars. The petrol on the island is a bit pricey though. You can also hire “mokes” These are like small minis and are a great way to get around the island.

There’s lots of beaches to choose from here but the nicest are probably Florence Bay and Balding Bay. Spend a day at Balding Bay sun bathing and snorkeling. Bring your own food and use the barbie facilities here. Horseshoe bay offers the longest of the island’s beaches and is a good place to rent kayaks.

Hinchinbrook Island

If relaxing on the beach is not really your thing and you prefer a bit more adventure, then try Hinchinbrook Island. It is famous for the Thorsborne Track which is 32km of moderately demanding hiking. You’ll see some beautiful waterfalls, mangroves and beaches.

The trek itself takes about 2 days but that doesn’t give you any time to stop off and take in your surroundings. If you don’t mind camping, then take your time and enjoy the sites. The trek runs north south and whilst you can do the trek in either direction, it’s better to finish in the north. Here you will find the Wilderness Lodge, the only real accommodation on the island. It has a bar and a pool which you will probably be ready for after your trek.

The entire walk is stunning but the highlights are probably Zoe Falls and the stretch between Ramsay Bay and Nina Bay which follows the coastline and takes you through rainforests.

You can just come here for a day trip and stay at the Wildnerness lodge. If you fancy the walk, then make sure you book well in advance. This gets booked up and numbers onto the island are restricted.

The best time to come is between June to October when there is less rain. Outside of this time is the wet season so expect lots of rain. In particular avoid February and March when it is at its worst and no ferries run.

The Real Australia Travel website (see below) features another 13 island getaways for you to choose from. It also gives accommodation ideas for Magnetic Island.

There was a time when flight booking had limited options. You had two choices. You could call the airline, or contact your travel agent. Today, however, the Internet provides travelers with many more alternatives, and those options can save you a bundle, too boot. Still, despite the ease of use and potential savings, there are some important things to keep in mind when booking your flight.

Traveling from point A to point B is simple, and because of that, booking your flight on the Internet is advisable. In addition, it will probably save you money. There are times, however, when the Internet is not your best bet. Just because it’s a no-frills airline, doesn’t mean it’s right for you, and it definitely doesn’t mean it’s cheaper. A piece of good advice is to do a little homework beforehand. If you want to be a shrewd shopper, you need to educate yourself and know all the facts.

Take the time to research. If you know what your flight costs through the airlines, then you will recognize it when a bargain comes your way. Do not be afraid to search for the best deal possible, but be attentive as you shop around. Sometimes, those inexpensive tickets are non-refundable, and should your plans change, there well may be a hefty charge involved in altering your flight plans. Make sure you check out the other options, as well. Will a cheaper fare allow mileage accrual or standbys? Will they allow you to upgrade? Before you purchase that low-priced fare, make sure you have answers to all your questions. Read the regulations and stipulations before you commit your money. If you have the option to, plan your flight ahead of time. A minimum of twenty-one-days, on advance tickets, usually means lower fares. Consequently, the earlier you book that flight, the better. Take advantage of the various comparative-shopping engines available online. They can provide quick and easy price comparisons, and allow you to make the most advantageous decision.

Planning ahead is always a smart way to fly. A twenty-one-day advance reservation, generally means you can plan on a lower fare, so book early. Use one of the many comparative-shopping engines available online, as well. They are quick and easy to use, and they can provide price comparisons that allow you to make well-informed decisions about what’s best for you.

Flexibility is paramount if you want to save money. If you can work a Saturday night into your itinerary, as a general rule, you can lock in a lower fare. Check out the nearby airports, too. If you are willing to make a thirty or forty minute drive, you just might save a bundle on your ticket.

The time of year you travel is a factor in flight prices. Off-season travel is almost always your best the choice, as rates are often higher during peak times, like holidays. Even going for the shoulder season, which falls in between peak and low periods, will help save money on your flight. Then there’s the day of the week you travel. That’s important, also. Mondays and Fridays are peak business days, so the cost of a flight could be much higher, and weekends cost more, too. Even the time of day you fly is a consideration. Choose an ‘inconvenient’ time, say very early morning, or a red-eye flight, and you could end up saving on your fare. If you want a great deal on your next flight, do some research and pave the way to save. Be flexible. Plan your trip ahead of time. Research your options, and save some money.

Anyone planning to visit France may have a list of beautiful places they want to visit but they may be unaware of the amount of temptations that will be offered for taste. The trip to France can be an indulgence on the taste buds as well as the waist line if not careful.

The best pastries in the world are found in France. The light and airy cakes are like feathers coated in seductive butter cream frostings and deep rich chocolates and they are as fattening as they are beautiful. With over 2300 pastry shops in France you will find that almost every corner will be offering the tempting treats. It is difficult to refuse the candied chestnuts, sherbet cakes, raspberry tarts and fruit filled crepes. If you are looking for gourmet ice cream you can find the best at Berthillon in Paris where you are tempted with a long list of flavors all homemade and delicious.

Every meal in France will be a temptation as the top chefs are located here and are constantly creating delicacies for you to try. Your palette will certainly enjoy the burst of flavors that it is encountering but your waistline may not feel so good about it. The best way to indulge your taste buds in France and keep your waistline in tact is to share a small serving with a friend. You can get a sample of the treat without having to endure the mass amount of calories it includes.

A bike ride along the glorious countryside is a great way to burn some of those extra calories. You can find castles, museums, and some unique tucked away restaurants to visit on your journey. The places that you want to see while in France may be overwhelming but if you make a list of the top places it will create a smoother trip.

You should have a map of all the cities you plan to visit and examine them before you arrive to ensure you have a good feel for the countryside you are about to explore.

Educate yourself on the French culture. The French have much different attitudes than American. You should learn the proper etiquette and be in tune with the attitudes of the locals before you arrive.

You must know enough French to assist you in finding sights of interest, hailing a taxi cab or to help find your way to the hotel. Many people in France speak English but finding one when you need them the most may not be possible.

Check the weather frequently, the weather in France changes often and you want to be prepared while on an outing. Pack very lightly, the French do not usually pack very heavily. There is not much room on the trains in France so if you have several bags you may not be able to fit them all on. Some hotels in France offer staircases and no elevator so this means you might be carrying your suitcases up several flights of stairs.