Please be aware that our After Hours Emergency Service contact number will change to 02 9084 9032.

This change is effective immediately and as of March 1, 2012 the previous After Hours number will not be in operation.

Ensure that you update your contacts accordingly so that you can always get in touch with us should you require After Hours assistance.
Thank you,

The team at Corporate Blue

Our average it the USA is 25 days, which is a lot more than the 8-14 days of other major travel markets.

We also tend to explore more than just the capital cities and major landmarks, coming in as the second market for native American visits and likely to visit 2.5 states rather than just one.

With our strong Aussie dollar, now is a fantastic time to prove just what great explorers we Australians are! If you haven’t been to the USA, take advantage of the exchange rate and visit the incredible Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.

Expected to be installed in every international airport in Australia across the second half of this year, the full body scanners will be unavoidable for anyone planning to travel – there will no longer be the option of the pat down.

If the Aviation Security Amendment Bill 2012 goes ahead, anyone uncomfortable with the idea of the full body scans will have to consider cancelling travel plans as they will not be able to get through airport security.

Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said he was sure the public would be understanding and the measure was a necessity to ensure airport safety.

“I think the public understands that we live in a world where there are threats to our security and experience shows they want the peace of mind that comes with knowing government is doing all it can,” Mr Albanese said.

Many people are concerned that the scanners invade their privacy, however the Government has said that the Australian body scanners will provide images that resemble genderless stick figures. Serious medical conditions would be the only opt-out.

Will you feel comfortable passing through security with the full body scanners in place?

It’s a laid back arrival function for the group, as everyone’s tired but the pub next to the hotel puts on a great spread of American food and authentic beer.

Staying at the incredible ARIA resort, we all sleep well and are ready for the new Las Vegas phenomenon – the day club. Situated around a swimming pool with DJs and plenty to eat and drink, we had private cabanas with their own plunge pool for all guests to enjoy this experience at ‘Liquid Lounge’. Needless to say, this carried on and saw us through the day!

The following day offered guests a choice – golf at one of the best courses amongst over 60 great courses in Vegas; a spa treatment at the spa centre in ARIA; driving exotic cars.  The car driving experience gave guests the opportunity to experience what high performance cars such as high-end Porches, Ferraris and Lamborghinis can really do.  Hurled around a nine turn 1.1 mile track the experienced race drivers got our guests hearts going.  Others opted to drive the cars themselves.

The evening brought dinner and a show. The fantastic Japanese cuisine at Yellowtail was incredible, overlooking the fountains of the Bellagio and this was topped off by the spectacular Cirque du Soleil ‘O’ show.

The last day was breath-taking, as we took to the sky in helicopter flights to the Grand Canyon, landing on the canyon floor for sunset before flying back over the Las Vegas strip, which looks awesome lit up as night descended.

Dinner in the private top penthouse of Trump Towers was absolutely brilliant – the favourite was definitely steak and lobster!

As always, after hours clubbing and partying was taken care of beautifully ensuring guests didn’t wait in the three hour queues for the top clubs – instead they were moved straight to the front and shuffled from venue to venue in stretch limousines. Well, when in Vegas…!

Here are some fantastic packing tips that found their way into my inbox – take heed and you’ll be packing like a professional in no time.

Take comfort in knowing that your clothes are packed butler style.

The butler profession has a long history in western civilization and over the years butlers have developed highly efficient and sophisticated methods of running households.

If you want to open your suitcase after travelling to find your clothes clean, wrinkle-free and ready-to-wear, pack your suitcase butler style. The techniques and high standards of professional butlers teach us how to pack a man’s suitcase that best maximizes the space.

Instructions

Things You’ll Need
• Sponge or cloth
• Tissue paper
• Collar liners
• Shoe bags
• Plastic bag

1: Wipe out the interior of the suitcase with a dampened sponge or cloth.

2: Line the bottom of the suitcase with a sheet of tissue paper.

3: Pack pairs of pants. Fold the first pair in half lengthwise and place them inside the suitcase with the waist against the sidewall and the legs hanging out of the suitcase, over the opposite sidewall. Place another piece of tissue paper and place a second pair of trousers on top in the same manner, but going in the opposite direction. Continue placing additional pairs of pants in the same manner.

4: Place jackets in the suitcase. Set the first jacket on top of the last piece of tissue paper with the color against the back wall of the suitcase. Tuck the lapels in tight enough that the sleeves won’t get bunched up at the sides of the suitcase. Insert rolls of tissue paper so they run from the collar and into the sleeves. Place a piece of tissue paper on top and add another jacket in the same manner, if necessary.

5: Stuff hand towels, socks and underwear into any cavities around the currently packed items to create a level surface.

6: Pack shirts. Position the first shirt face up with the collar against the back of the suitcase. Place cardboard collar liners or cut strips of card stock under the collar. Fasten the top, middle and bottom buttons. Fold the sleeves across the front of the shirt, positioning the folds at the same points as the sleeves’ seams. Cover the shirt with tissue paper and add any other shirts in the same manner. Cover the last shirt with tissue paper.

7: Coil belts, wrap them in tissue paper and place them in the corners of the suitcase.

8: Fold up the bottoms of the pants, jackets and shirts that hang over the sides of the suitcase, placing pieces of tissue paper between each, so they lay flat on top of the suitcase. Place a piece of tissue paper on top of everything and tuck in the edges around sides.

9: Insert shoes into shoe bags and place the shoes in the corners of the suitcase.

10: Protect the toiletry kit in a plastic bag and position it snugly against the back of the suitcase.

11: Wrap ties in tissue paper and lay them flat across the top piece of tissue paper.

12: Buckle the suitcase straps at the top of the suitcase and secure the suitcase lid shut.

Picture: Glen McCurtayne. HWT Image Library

Qantas Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce said he was delighted to welcome Miranda to the Qantas team.

‘Miranda Kerr is one of the most photographed and recognisable people in the world,’ he said.

‘Apart from her work commitments as an international model and businesswoman, Miranda will now represent Australia’s premium airline.

‘Miranda will make an outstanding contribution to the airline, the brand and its global reputation for premium service and excellence.’

The new ambassador is very pleased to have been chosen by an iconic Aussie name.

‘I grew up with Qantas which is such an iconic Australian brand. I’m proud of my Australian heritage and I’m so excited that I will now be able to represent Australia’s premium airline around the world.

‘I travel frequently and from the moment I step onboard a Qantas flight I feel at home. I always enjoy the wonderful service, fabulous food and stylish cabins.’

Miranda joins the likes of other high-profile Qantas ambassadors including John Travolta, Cathy Freeman, Mark Webber, Greg Norman, Mark Schwarzer and John Eales.

Within the next 12 months you will be able to be a passenger journeying to outer space aboard Virgin Galactic, a commercial spacecraft. Book your seat on the 60-foot spacecraft for around $200,000 and you’ll share in a six minute experience of weightlessness and be blown away by the view of the Earth’s curvature from 110 kilometres above the Earth’s surface.

The crew on board consists of two people, with six passengers per trip. Over 430 people have already booked their seats on SpaceShipTwo which is as simple as booking online at www.virgingalactic.com. A $20,000 deposit is required, followed by three days of training plus you must pass a series of medical tests.

Seven years in the making, Virgin Galactic has worked hard on its space tourism program and the first commercial spaceport at Spaceport America, New Mexico ‘Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space’.

Touring began by seeing the Topkapi Palace and St Sophia with a free afternoon to explore the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the oldest covered markets in the world! Nomads was the restaurant of choice for our arrival dinner, with entertaining belly dancing and entrance into the supper club.

The following day touring continued to a quite sacred destination, the Blue Mosque as well as the hippodrome and underground cistern, with lunch next to an 11^th century monastery to top off a spectacular day of history.

A helicopter ride was the highlight of the following day, offering a bird’s eye view over the beautiful city. A Turkish bath in the afternoon provided that authentic Turkish experience. Another fantastic day, finished with dinner at Reina, a definite hot-spot located on the Bosphoros Bridge where the group partied on into the night.

Mykonos is the next destination and a private charter flight got the group there with ease. Then, it’s straight off to our transfer to the hotel, staying at the Leading Hotel of the World, The Royal Myconian.

An arrival tour of Mykonos town introduced everyone to the picturesque Greek island, which was soon followed by dinner at the institution restaurant Phillipi.

Beach hopping was the go the next day, hopping in fishermen boats with sunbeds and umbrellas reserved and waiting for everyone at each beach. Drinks, watersports and lunch at the amazing Sol y Mar filled this incredible day, with a late finish at Paradise Beach for partying. The other group went on a private charter boat to the island’s archaeological site of Delos – simply amazing. Then they came back for lunch at Sol y Mar and of course partied on at Paradise Beach.

The last day eventually arrived and it was spent free to do as we pleased, with shuttle buses to town available for those who wanted to shop, while other headed to the beaches for relaxation. The finale dinner was at Nammos, which was the perfect way to finish up an incredible trip, and a few party animals kicked on into the night to farewell Mykonos with a bang.

We’ve touched on it before but now a recent survey has confirmed it – when it comes to desired neighbouring passengers on a plane, crying children are at the bottom of the list.

Image courtesy of 1000awesomethings.com

In fact, the survey conducted by online travel agent Zuji Australia found that Australian passengers would opt to travel next to a person with bad body odour rather than parents with screaming children.

Over 2000 Australians participated in the survey, which also discovered that chatterboxes and arm rest hoggers are among the least desirable to travel near.

At the end of the day, will this stop us? No – the prospect of being seated next to a howling child is not enough to hold us back from travelling this holiday season, with 40 per cent of us heading interstate or overseas to visit family and friends.

If you’ve had a bad experience with someone seated next to you on a plane, share it with us!

Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff said the Ring & Ride waiting zone offers free parking for up to 20 minutes and between 20 and 40 minutes for just two dollars. Stay for an hour and you’ll be up for four dollars, and any longer will see Long Term Car Park rates apply.

Mr Woodruff said the new Ring & Ride waiting zone has been introduced in response to customer feedback and the growing concern about drivers parking illegally on the Tullamarine Freeway or other roadways while they waited to pick up arriving passengers.
In addition to the Ring & Ride zone, Melbourne Airport has delivered 10 extra public pick-up bays, all part of the redevelopment of the terminal forecourt area and aimed at reducing congestion and ensuring passengers and visitors are provided with the best experience possible.

Located within the Long Term Car Park, the Ring & Ride zone can be found easily by following the signs, and upon the passenger being ready for pick-up, drivers can exit on to Melrose Drive to come to the terminal forecourt.

An automatic pay station is located close to the Ring & Ride zone.