Regarding the increases in prices.<BR>Now that our departure is closer (Sept 8th), I am delving into the more 'nitty-gritty' part of pricing out places.<BR>I am finding 'internet specials' and 'CAA discounts', whatever a place thinks it has to offer, that reduce prices below last year.<BR>I think places that want your business are recognising the drop in tourism numbers.<BR>This must hurt the small places without web presence and only fixed prices in listings.<BR><BR>I have found places that have both 'guidebook' listings and 'websites' to be listing specials on their websites lower than guidebook listings.<BR><BR>To me this is an anomaly from 'this years price is 10% higher than the guidebook' attitude.<BR>

I can definitely sympathise being an Aussie - a few short years ago our $A was worth $US.80...& now its a measly $US.54 - its done only slightly better than that versus European currencies. Not enough to stop me tavelling though - lifes too short to see all I want to!!