Let’s celebrate

The Christmas and New Year partying may be over for another year, but there’s still plenty to celebrate throughout February. Festivities for the Chinese New Year are in full swing across Australia’s Chinatowns and in our international ports of Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

Here in Australia, you can still enjoy yourself even if you’ve returned to work after a summer break by getting out and catching the last weeks of the warm sunshine and balmy evenings. Avoid the post-holiday blues and give yourself something to look forward to – start thinking about your next trip away, whether it’s a city break with friends or a family holiday overseas. Hot, cold, big city, small town, lazy or adventurous, our domestic and international route map on page 100 has something for everyone.

February is also a time when parents celebrate the return of the school year and getting a well-earned break from the kids. With the extra time on your hands, now is the time to think about your next family holiday. For inspiration, check out our story on Phuket which is bursting with activities for kids.

And of course for some, February is the month of love. For those who want to celebrate the 14th but are romantically-challenged, we have numerous suggestions on how to indulge your loved one throughout the magazine.

2008 will be another big year for Jetstar with the airline now gearing up for more flights between our big city-pair destinations. In April, we will add more flights between Melbourne-Avalon and Sydney, then even more flights between Brisbane and Avalon from July 2008 – which is something to keep in mind when planning your city trips later in the year. These additions will mean an overall increase of 40% in flights from Melbourne-Avalon. Avalon Airport has recently undergone a AU$4 million redevelopment, with more space and retail outlets added to accommodate Jetstar’s ever growing number of new services. The airport now handles about one million passengers annually – make sure you check out the new-look Avalon Airport next time you travel.

Also in this month’s issue, we catch up with award-winning gardener Jamie Durie to find out what he’s up to this month. If you ever needed an excuse to visit Sydney, read on for 10 great action activities to do on Sydney Harbour. Take a whirl with us as we uncover five top golf courses; how easy it is to experience the thrill of motorbike riding; and some of the region’s best dive sites. We also take a fresh look at Mackay and go shopping-crazy in Osaka. Lastly, come meet Australia’s new world surfing champion Mick Fanning.

From all of us at Jetstar, happy Chinese New Year. Or gong hei fatt choy!

Alan Joyce
CEO Jetstar Airways