Australians are up there with the most frugal international travellers when it comes to saving a buck - at least, that's what they say.

Over half the respondents to a national survey taken by travel bargain hunters Travelzoo, said they would happily forego alcohol to save money on an international airfare.

Over 13 per cent said they could do without in-flight entertainment.
And it gets better - or worse, depending whether you run an airline or are a traveller.

We can understand the block which voted to go without airline food; cannot quite follow the mob who urged economies by doing without life jackets; and are completely baffled by the lot who said toilets were an unnecessary luxury. They have clearly never experience the Bombay two-step or the Japanese bladder syndrome on long hauls.

I think the best news is the airlines will let all of the above go through to the keeper and find other ways of trimming the ticket price - like flicking some of those fuel and other imposts!

Travelzoo says the survey results prove earlier findings that Aussie tourists are bargain-driven to the point of booking a holiday because it was a good deal even when they had no plans to go anywhere.

More value closer to home  

THE same Travelzoo people are more realistic with another survey which tells us we are planning more domestic holidays in the next 12 months.

An overwhelming 94 per cent told the Zoo they would go interstate with 76 per cent decreeing Australia offered all, or mostly, what they wanted in a holiday.

Almost 90 per cent chose Australia as “best for family holidays'” with a lot of those saying an Australian holiday experience offered similar customer service to comparable overseas destinations.
We'll leave the jury out on that one!
It is, in all, good news for domestic tourism which could stand to benefit from the “stimulus package” handouts.

Queensland, they tip, will benefit most from domestic travel followed by NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and the ACT in that order.

The free-subscription Travelzoo researches the best deals in the marketplace every week and emails their subscribers every Wednesday at 11am with the Top 20 best deals out there. Visit Travelzoo.com.au to subscribe.

Sunshine Prices   

With the above information in mind, details of some big summer savings on the Sunshine Coast, available for a little while longer, crossed my desk while I was a bit further “up north”.

It's a good time to take a relaxing break at a centrally located Sunshine Coast resort overlooking stunning Alexandra Headland Beach.

Aspire Mandolin Resort has some great end of summer rates and all guests who book a stay of three nights or longer by the end of March, receive a complimentary bottle of wine. (Makes up for the drink you sacrificed on the flight up!)

You can stay for three nights in a two-bedroom apartment for $187 a night or just $126 for a seven night stay.

Aspire Mandolin Apartments are spacious and stylishly appointed, and all units have ocean views from nearby Mooloolaba Beach to Noosa Heads.

Apartments are self-contained with creature comforts like cable TV and DVD and, of course, air conditioning.

Alexandra Headland is one of those do-it-all or do-just-nothing destinations.

Aspire Mandolin's central location puts you a stroll away from sidewalk cafes, restaurants, a surf lifesaving club or nightlife and if you (or she) must shop, Mooloolaba and Maroochydore have world-class outlets.
If you need more inspiration, visit www.aspireresorts.com.au or www.aspiremandolin.com.au

No snow so what   

Down the other way, summer in the Snowy Mountains has holiday bargains for the asking … like the three nights-pay-for-two deals at Thredbo from a low  $219pp twin share.

This is the deal:
Three nights’ accommodation for the price of two; three breakfasts; three days’ scenic chairlift rides; eight bobsled rides; three hours’ mountain bike hire; a round of golf and an hour of tennis; access to the leisure centre pool, gym and waterslide; a guided walk to beautiful Mt Kosciuszko and a book of vouchers offering great discounts on food, shopping and other activities. Accommodation is lodge-style.

Self-contained family options are available at Riverside Cabins Apartments for $594 per family (2 adults, 2 children) without meals.

Kosciuszko National Park is also offering three days’ park entry for the price of two.

These are available until mid-April but you can check availability on 1300 020 589.