Ideas for AFF Gathering #7

[JohnK]

We could camp?

I know you were kidding! :mrgreen:

 

[jetlagger]

I know you were kidding! :mrgreen:

How about BKK?
Just like the idea of the $17* rooms (friends & family room rate) :mrgreen:
& potential services of a well versed chaperone
+ 1 for the dining & entertainment options.
(subject CPI & to limited availability)

 

[JohnK]

How about BKK?

Too far for most people.

Just like the idea of the $17* rooms (friends & family room rate) :mrgreen:

I love the idea of $17 rooms although I did mention that was a special rate and may no longer be available.

 

[penegal]

How about BKK?)

Too far for most people.

Considering that NZ has come under fire as a location, I don't think the wider group will travel as far as BKK.

Of course I would be up for it... I am actually doing a weekend trip soon to meet up with my parents

 

[jetlagger]

Considering that NZ has come under fire as a location, I don't think the wider group will travel as far as BKK.

Of course I would be up for it... I am actually doing a weekend trip soon to meet up with my parents

Then LRE would be a destination befitting with Royal values.. Wonder if Prince Charles & Camilla are doing the wing walk there today.. :shock:

 

[markis10]

Then LRE would be a destination befitting with Royal values.. Wonder if Prince Charles & Camilla are doing the wing walk there today.. :shock:

Not that I am aware of, interestingly they had to borrow one of the exhibits because the airport did not have stairs to suit the BBJ.

 

[penegal]

Then LRE would be a destination befitting with Royal values.. Wonder if Prince Charles & Camilla are doing the wing walk there today.. :shock:

LOL

I have been to LRE, but would love to go back...

 

[EmilyHoward]

Florence and I would love to go. We don't mind as long as it is not Perth. We haven't been to any so far! Our choices: Cairns, Sydney or Queenstown.

EH

 

[samh004]

LOL

I have been to LRE, but would love to go back...

I am off to LRE on the 2/3 March 2013. Fares were attractive enough in the current sale.

 

[JohnK]

Considering that NZ has come under fire as a location, I don't think the wider group will travel as far as BKK.

I never suggested BKK, jetlagger did!

Personally I think this event should remain in Australia. And as I said when we run out of places then can easily start doing the rounds again.

 

[penegal]

I never suggested BKK, jetlagger did!

Personally I think this event should remain in Australia. And as I said when we run out of places then can easily start doing the rounds again.

JohnK, I quoted both of you, and I was agreeing with you??


I agree - it makes sense to keep the flagship do in Australia, however I don't see why other [smaller] events can't be organised overseas, etc.

 

[haydensydney]

Personally I think this event should remain in Australia. And as I said when we run out of places then can easily start doing the rounds again.

I would like to [respectfully] challenge your position on this JohnK... just because we have 'Australian' in the forum name, doesn't necessarily mean we need to limit ourselves to Australian destinations. ZQN has a heap of touristy group activities, if the exchange rate is favourable it can be cost effective, from Sydney it's closer than Perth (and flights may be cheaper depending on the time of year), accommodation options are plentiful for all price points, its extremely picturesque and has an abundance of natural beauty - really, there is something for everyone.

Naturally the polls speak for themselves, but lets not try box ourselves in and limit our scope - instead of saying "No", we should ask "Why not?".

 

[EmilyHoward]

Um where the hell is ZQN??? LOL

EH

 

[extracta]

I would like to [respectfully] challenge your position on this JohnK... .

Just let him know there are some good golf courses down there and he will be OK. In fact the hilton there is very reasonably priced. JohnK would definitely like that.

I have been to ZQN a number of times and love it. Plenty to do and plenty of accommodation in all ranges.

You can get return J for 30000 dividend miles. Even though internal Air NZ flight would probably be Y

 

[haydensydney]

Um where the hell is ZQN??? LOL

EH

Queenstown NZ

 

[EmilyHoward]

Queenstown NZ

Thanks Hayden!!

EH

 

[anat0l]

I would like to [respectfully] challenge your position on this JohnK...

No need - JohnK was just supplying his opinion.

I think no one is absolutely ruling out NZ for the sake of the A in AFF, but as you say, 'let the polls speak for themselves'... history is not kind to your choice (pun intended, say it with a Kiwi accent ), but I don't think that is necessarily because we auto-ignore NZ (or international for that matter). Same reason why the polls have not been kind to PER (or AYQ for that matter).

In an oddly related segue, I'm quietly surprised and delighted by the fact that OzFest will be in PER next year. Most people were thinking the same lines here - too far, rather inaccessible (especially for our foreign brethren), expensive... nup, we're having it there (mind you, we did have an OzFest in DRW so suffice to say...). So, anything is possible; it just may happen eventually........

 

[haydensydney]

No need - JohnK was just supplying his opinion.

As was I.....

I think no one is absolutely ruling out NZ for the sake of the A in AFF, but as you say, 'let the polls speak for themselves'... history is not kind to your choice (pun intended, say it with a Kiwi accent ), but I don't think that is necessarily because we auto-ignore NZ (or international for that matter). Same reason why the polls have not been kind to PER (or AYQ for that matter).

My position is that it could actually be a worthwhile, and a subtly more exciting prospect than yet again another Australian city. It's important for everyone to factor in all the variables (as I outlined above) when making their decision re: the next destination. I will be an advocate for change, and campaign vigorously for ZQN...

 

[Mwenenzi]

For AFF #7 look at route maps:
* Where do DJ/VA & QF fly to ?
* No more than 2 flights from MEL or SYD, where most AFF'ers come from (3 at the most) [reduces travel time / cost / days off work]
* What cities have the major chain hotels ?
* Who has the experience & time to be organizer [hard from 1000's of km away)

_______________________________

.. I think no one is absolutely ruling out NZ for the sake of the A in AFF, but as you say, 'let the polls speak for themselves'... history is not kind to your choice (pun intended, say it with a Kiwi accent ), but I don't think that is necessarily because we auto-ignore NZ (or international for that matter). Same reason why the polls have not been kind to PER (or AYQ for that matter)..

FT held a do in ZQN in 2007: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/628678-kiwi-mainland-do-9-11-november-2007-a-9.html. JohnK even attended !

..In an oddly related segue, I'm quietly surprised and delighted by the fact that OzFest will be in PER next year. Most people were thinking the same lines here - too far, rather inaccessible (especially for our foreign brethren), expensive... nup, we're having it there (mind you, we did have an OzFest in DRW so suffice to say...). So, anything is possible; it just may happen eventually........

And 55 have signed up for Oz Fest 10. For UA flyers PER is not that hard. A shortish trip from SIN

 

[samh004]

My position is that it could actually be a worthwhile, and a subtly more exciting prospect than yet again another Australian city. It's important for everyone to factor in all the variables (as I outlined above) when making their decision re: the next destination. I will be an advocate for change, and campaign vigorously for ZQN...

Considering I know more about the spot than anyone else? And I doubt I'll make it next year overseas, and I think ZQN would benefit from more than 2 days one weekend, I'll support ZQN, but not for AFF#7, especially as HBA was robbed by OOL last year