The lastest news from Holidays with Kids...

Circle it in red in the diary - Mother's Day is Sunday May 10

Spoil Mum at Shoal Bay Resort & Spa, Port Stephens

There is no one gift that can say it all, so show your Mum how special she is with a selection of irresistible dining options, indulgent Aqua Spa treatments or enticing accommodation options at the award-winning Shoal Bay Resort & Spa.

Especially for Mother's Day on Sunday 10 May, the chefs at Shoal Bay Resort & Spa have put together two charming beachfront dining options where Mums and Mums-to-be can relax and be spoilt for choice. Catch Restaurant is the Resort's premier seafood dining experience and will be open exclusively from midday to 3.00pm with an unforgettable 2 course menu at just $50 and 3 courses for $60.

The iconic Promenade Dining Room is also offering their popular carvery buffet at only $36 per person, also from midday to 3.00pm. Both dining options include a complimentary glass of sparkling wine for all mother and children dine for half price. Pre-bookings are essential, call 1800 18 18 10. You can also surprise Mum with a luxurious Aqua Spa experience. Book a complete Well Being Massage during May for $95 and bring a friend for half price. And other specials also include the Essential Escape accommodation package from $112 per person per night twin share.

To find out more see www.shoalbayresort.com

Earn rewards at new Family Parks website

Hitting the road to explore Australia’s fantastic terrain is an exciting and affordable travel option for families. Now at the newly launched Family Parks website you can find information on over 200 great Family Park locations throughout both Australia and New Zealand, so your next family holiday is only a few clicks away.

And with the launch of the new Family Parks Tribal Rewards program there’s never been a better time to become a member. As well as a discount on the cost of accommodation, members can also receive special offers at nominated attractions, restaurants, shops, cinemas, theme parks and auto services (conditions apply).

To find out more go to www.familyparks.com.au

Planning a snow trip?

Back again in 2009 for its fourth year, The Snow Travel Expo is your ticket to great deals and a world of inspiration and information. It’s a free event and this year Holidays with Kids will be at the Sydney expo on Sunday May 24 so come along and say hello! 

The Snow Travel Expo provides an exciting, practical and convenient environment where snow enthusiasts can plan everything from a local snow adventure to an elaborate international sojourn from one week to an entire winter season.

Travel and industry experts from all facets of travel including: overseas resorts, airlines, tour operators, tourism departments, travel insurance and snow hardware wholesalers will be on hand to offer advice, useful information and valuable tops based on real experience as well as assistance with all the travel arrangements from hotel bookings, airfares and insurance right down to the latest equipment to take. And the best part, admission is free!

Get along to the snow expo nearest you…

Melbourne – Sunday May 17, 2009
10am-4pm
Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre
Southbank Melbourne

Brisbane – Saturday May 23, 2009
10am-4pm
Royal National Showgrounds, Lower Commerce Building

Sydney – Sunday May 24, 2009
10am-4pm
Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre, Hall 6 Darling Harbour

Visit the website for more information www.snowtravelexpo.com.au

Cherry blossom season in Japan

It’s that magical time of year in Japan when the cherry trees begin to flower and this year they are forecast to blossom early. The Japanese celebrate the cherry blossom season with picnic style parties, known as Hanami parties, under the flowering cherry trees in public and private gardens, and parklands across Japan.

Loading page: According to the Japan National Tourist Office, Southern Hokkaido’s Matsumae Park is one of the recommended spots for viewing the blossoms and is listed as one of the traditional Hundred Famous Places for Cherry Blossoms in Japan.

The slightly different blooming times of the cherry tree varieties at the park means that the cherry blossom season is exceptionally long, lasting up to a few weeks. Additionally, to coincide with cherry blossom season, the Hakodate-Onuma Steam locomotive will operate daily round trip excursions from April 29 to May 6. The Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass are both valid for travel on this train.

For further travel ideas in Japan go to www.jnto.org.au

Well deserved break – ask the grandparents to look after the kids and enjoy some time together

Sydney’s premier entertainment precinct, Darling Harbour, turns 21 this year and to celebrate Accor’s Darling Harbour hotels are offering a range of specials. Stay at the Novotel Darling Harbour or Ibis Darling Harbour on any Saturday night throughout May and you can stay on the Sunday for just an extra $21. And the Novotel Darling Harbour is also offering a special $21 meal deal including a glass of house wine or beer.

The whole of Darling Harbour will be in celebration mode during May, with the highlight taking place on Sunday 3rd, with a full day of activities including an international food fair and multicultural carnival. The evening will culimate in the Celebrate Gala concert including performances by Japanese-Australian drumming sensations Taikoz and Australian Idol winner Wes Carr. Over the years Darling Harbour has become famous for its fireworks, so fittingly the night will end with a spectacular choreographed fireworks display.

Accor’s three Darling Harbour hotels have great packages for the 3rd May, with discounted accommodation across the Ibis ($121), Novotel ($221 in a harbour view room) and Grand Mercure Apartments ($221 for a two-bedroom apartment or $321 for a three-bedroom apartment) for this night only.

And every Friday and Saturday throughout May Darling Harbour will come alive with the Harbourlights show - a free high-speed jet ski performance with dazzling fireworks overhead - so even if you can’t make it on Sunday 3rd May you can still get into party mode.

To book any of these great offers phone (02) 9288 7180.