Australians plan to travel more this year than last with an overwhelming majority of survey respondents set to make at least one international trip.
Internet media company Travelzoo's survey also showed an increase in domestic holidays and interstate trips.
The results match a similar European survey of 2.1. million Travelzoo subscribers showing international travel was on the cards there, too.
About 76 percent of Australian respondents said they would book their holidays motivated by good deals even if they had no prior travel plans.
Travelzoo's Australia-Singapore manager Brad Gurrie sees this as much-needed good news for worried travel, operators.
“There is no doubt times are tough but there is a market that is ready and planning to travel. They know this is the time to snare some amazing offers,'' he said. Head for the hills …
New tours open up Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos back country
Since their launch towards the end of last year the Indochina Trekking Company has amassed an army of fans - and more than a few Down Under - for Asia's latest adventure holidays.
You can climb mountains in Vietnam and explore off-the-beaten-track adventure trails, camping, trekking and cycling in Cambodia and Laos.
The company was born of growing demand for adventure themed holidays in an area which, blissfully, has not been overwhelmed by development.
There are in total 17 quite different programs across the three countries, catering to the growing global demand for adventure, cycling, camping, kayaking and trekking.
They also tailor-make itineraries for free and independent travellers to the region and for groups.
One of their more challenging programs includes a three-day climb of Mount Fansipan, the rooftop of Indochina and, at 3143 metres, Vietnam's highest peak.
The company described the itinerary as “moderate to challenging” but that really comes down to the individual.
The trek and climb are configured in three treks of between four and eight hours duration. The climb happens bright and early on the morning of day two allowing climbers the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over nearby China. In an area known for breathtaking sunrises (and sunsets) this is something special.
Other highlights include visits to remote villages and bamboo rainforest before arrival at the picturesque Tonkinese Alpine village of Sa Pa, end point of the trek and close to the China border.
The program is priced from US$1930pp including all meals while on trek, tent accommodation and camping equipment, English-speaking guides and local Hmong porters.
While the overall emphasis is on “off the track”, less adventurous but no less appealing sights and attractions of the region are included in the tailor made programs.
The Indochina Trekking Company is headquartered in Hanoi. There is more detailed information on www.indotrek.com or you can book by email at sales@indotrek.com
. . . Or luxuriate at sea level
New luxury junk to ply Halong Bay
Come May, there will be a new luxury vessel in Trails of Indochina's cruise operations on Halong Bay, bringing the company's fleet to three.
Due for launch soon, the 58 m Halong Violet will join sister vessels Halong Ginger and Halong Jasmin on the upmarket cruise programs the company runs on UNESCO World Heritage listed Halong Bay.
The new vessel will boast six luxury staterooms, an elegant restaurant, lounge and bar, a small library, gym and a massage room.
In addition to one and two-day cruises all three vessels cater to the growing charter market in the region.
Passengers are encouraged to go ashore to take part in traditional temple ceremonies, not-too-strenuous trekking and cycling and exploring areas like Cat Ba Island's national park.
Other highlights on offer include visits to floating villages and local schools by kayak and briefings on Vietnam's ambitious plan to turn Halong Bay into a living museum.
For more information, email Trails of Indochina’s Australia/New Zealand office at oz@trailsofindochina.com
Tonkinese foothill trekking near Mt Fansipan
Doing it the hard way … adventure cycling at Sapa in Vietnam’s north west | 
