Little Company, Big World

Standby Rate’s Blog – keeping in touch

Archive for September, 2007

Thursday Travel Tip – Buying Memories

Are you a traveller that loves to invest in every memorable trinket and treasure that you can get your hands on while holidaying in a foreign city, exploring the sites and sounds?  

I am. 

I travel only to come back with twice as much luggage as I arrived with, and sometimes having a whole suitcase dedicated to my wonderful ‘finds.’ The irony is that the first and last time I actually appreciated the thing that I bought was probably back in the little dinky market store where I first fell in love with it. So I have two dilemmas here. 

  1. How to save money
  2. What to buy that would actually serve its purpose to bring back the happy memories of a trip

 According to Jane E. Fraser’s Sydney Morning Herald article, souvenir shopping can still be more meaningful and purposeful than the little awkward statue of a hula girl with a slight chip off her arm. (Which is why you got it at a bargain price in the first place

I’d like to take some time out to share with you some of her thoughts… 

Firstly- Artworks 

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Sure, that makes sense. Chances are, buying a piece of artwork isn’t going to be lodged off to the poor and needy anytime soon and being showcased in the house somewhere will definitely open the floodgate of memories each time you pass it. Not a bad idea. 

Secondly – Useful Items 

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It’s so simple but yet, so true. If you can use it, then you’ve definitely got your money’s worth. The memories are an added bonus. How about an African sculpted pot plant or South American mixing bowl? – Genius 

 Thirdly – Genuine Collectables 

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Already harbouring a collecting hobby – stamps, spoons, currency or fridge magnets? Just add to the collection! Hunt out the memorabilia that will enhance your current pool of treasures and you will find your souvenirs to be overflowing with value.  

 Fourthly – Classic Jewellery 

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Any wearables that you know can be cross-cultured without the need of waiting for a fancy dress party is definitely a keeper. Jewellery that can be easily meshed into a fashionable statement you’ll find not only brings a bit of awe and curiosity from your companions but is a great way to reminisce your life in another world. 

 Finally – Visual Memories 

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Drowning in a sea of vacation photos? Instead, how about making a special collage of the photos and framing it into a mountable frame? By doing so you have the unique, captured moments of your adventures but they are ready for display in a creative manner hence saving your friends and family the countless hours of album browsing and picture downloads. 

 If you’re not camera-keen then even postcard collecting with recorded thoughts on the back will definitely add value to the souvenir. 

 So there we have it, a quick run-down on how to make potential travel trash into timeless treasures. 

Don’t forget to check out our daily rates on www.standbyrates.com.au so you can go out, explore and enjoy. Live a little, save a lot

…Going into Standby 

 Angela Nguyen

Distribution Partnerships  

Friday’s Fun-day

Happy Friday!

Hope everybody’s had a good, hard-working week. I know that I have!

We receive so many bookings and quote request these days it seems as though everybody is really out there to have a great time which is just fantastic. We all deserve a holiday!

Since the weekend is upon us, let’s have a quick scan around Australia to see what’s happening.

Let’s start off with the Western Wonder that is Perth.

It seems that tonight Suzi Quatro is rocking her classics with the Back to The Drive Tour, performing tonight at the Burswood Theatre. If you’re in town, see if you can grab some tickets to check it out!

More of a relaxed fisherman?

Why not head up to Darwin for the Saltwater Fly Fishing Challenge? It’s an annual even from the 8-10th of September showcasing some top anglers and skills.

How about Australia’s paradisaical state of Queensland?

Rockhampton’s Keppel Bay Sailing Club is hosting their ‘Under the Light of the Silvery Moon’ 50th Anniversary where wine, cheese and a good dose of frolicking under the moon is sure to take place.

For an artistic touch to your weekend, pop over to New South Wales, Sydney where the Dobell Drawing Prize has been underway since the 24th August and shall continue through to the 4th of November. A spectacular showcase of talent ranging from sculpturists, printmaking and painting to be on display at this event. The prize is the most prestigious drawing prize to be awarded in Australia and has unmaksed hidden talents of many Australians.

A bit more adventurous? Just so happens Adelaide is hosting their Great Australian Bushwalk this Sunday the 9th of September. Features 120 free guided bushwalks where you can completely lose yourself in the Australia’s natural beauty.

 Just because the Spring Carnival is on hold, it doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do!

Now for our newest tradition at Standby Rates, our Friday Promo code.

Type in: floriade on sign up and you will receive an instant 5% discount off the listed prices!

Sign up for your free membership today at www.standbyrates.com.au and go experience Australia! Go on, you know you deserve it!

…Going into Standby

 

Angela Nguyen

Partnership and Distribution

Floriade- Flowers to be Seen

Each year, Canberra hosts its prime festival showcasing tuplips, orchids and nature in all its beauty.

Yes, this event is the one and only Floriade. 

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  Blossoming into action, Floriade is taking place this year 15th September – 17th October as well as hosting the Australian Icons, Myths and Legends theme, so everything from vegemite, BBQs, and your token kangaroos and Ned Kellies of course.The  Floriade enthusiasts would already know of the abundance of flowers and exhibitions that are on display but what about everyone else?For those who are not huge flower fans but do enjoy a great day of sights and sounds, lazing in the sun, relaxing walks or just an excuse to head out for an ice-cream, this is the place. There’s usually a program published of all the events that are held around this flower festival from scavenger hunts, musical pGlass Workserformances, exhibitions, competitions, workshops and did I mention ice-cream?

 Families generally love it - the kids get a chance to run around madly, exerting all their energies into exploring the imaginative garden designs while parents can sit back and enjoy the manicured tulip beds… and ice-cream.

Couples love the romance – a chance to steal away from life and into a rich, lush and extraordinary garden.Quirky Characters

So for your chance to take a peaceful stroll down the sculptured gardens, get a lesson in flower arrangements or to sit down amongst the flowers to enjoy the live entertainment while eating delicious ice-cream, go to www.standbyrates.com.au to see what Floriade packages are available for you this year at our fine selection of Hotels.

Going into Standby…

Angela Nguyen

Distrubtion Partnerships 

 

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