STILL determinedly doing its bit to prop sagging visitor numbers - due to some misapprehension something dire is going to happen to you if you holiday in a Fiji run by its armed forces - Air Pacific has special economy class return fares for adults, at children's rates.

They start from $400 Sydney-Nadi, and remember children's fares are usually calculated on 75 per cent of the adult rate.  The specials are on sale until September 30, 2008, and are valid for travel until December 9.

Air Pacific has also introduced special Business Class one-way Fiji fares from $634 Sydney, plus taxes.  Air Pacific's Geoff Smith reminds that Qantas Frequent Flyer points can be accrued with all new fares and Air Pacific has full inflight services.

For more information call 1800 230 151 or www.airpacific.com

VANILLA'S A CURE FOR WINTER ILLS

SEEKING a refuge from these cold, wintry days? Try Vanilla - the island, that is, otherwise known to Tahitians as Le Tahaa.

The destination's many vanilla plantations and their precious cream-coloured orchids gave the place its nickname.  Believe it: This is an extraordinary part of the Society Islands, its beauty enhanced by its remoteness from the rest of the world.  If natural attractions are not enough, take an aerial tour, low flying over water you won't believe, or try a pearl farm excursion, feed some turtles, scuba dive or head for some relaxation therapy.

Air Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Travel Connection have just launched an exciting new travel package to Vanilla Island, which includes return economy class air, five nights accommodation at The Le Tahaa Private Island and Spa in an over-water suite, with daily breakfast and dinner; two nights in a mountain view room at the Sofitel Tahiti Resort, a body care spa treatment for two people, return domestic airfares within Tahiti, all land transfers in Tahiti and Tahaa and a traditional lei French Polynesian meet and greet when you arrive.

Tahiti is just seven hours fly time away. Prices start at $6425 per person twin share ex Sydney. The Vanilla Island package is valid for travel between November 16 and December 15.

There's more information on www.tahititravel.com.au

SUSHI AND CHIPS?

Not quite but it's nice to mix them up.  Tempted this week by a new Japan tour program, which offers a rare insight into the more traditional side of Japanese life.

It includes two nights in traditional ryokans (Japanese inns), one night in a village minshuku (a kind of Japanese B&B) and seven nights in a luxury five-star star western style hotel.

“Many people are afraid of committing themselves to a tour of Japan, which has them every night sleeping in futon beds that made up on the floor,” said Japan tour veteran Ken Osetroff.  “So we created (his company is Toursgallery) this tour for people who are seeking a taste of traditional Japan,” he said.

Japanese culinary delights are included at four special dinners and three breakfasts, whilst all other meals are familiar western style cuisine.
Tour highlights include staples like Mt Fuji, Matsumoto Castle, Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and the Japanese Alps.

Commencing November 19, the tour costs $5680 land content only.
Call 1300 307 317 or email travel@toursgallery.com for more information.