Travels With Soha

Get Ready for the Australian Open 2012

noreply@blogger.com (TravelsWithSoha) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:35:00 +0000

With the end of the tennis season approaching, as tennis fans we must be looking forward to the new season. 2012 Australian Open promises great action with many players, on both the WTA tour and the ATP tour. It should be a pleasure to watch the new season unfold. Will 2012 see new stars at the top of the rankings, or will it be just a continuance of the dominance of last season's stars? In December, Jack Sock, Ryan Harrison, Oudin and Ginepri will fight for the 2012 Australian Open wild card.

The Australian Open assumes a certain importance as it is the first major of the year, and can easily decide, or be detrimental to the outcome of a players performance. Besides being the first tennis Grand Slam, it is also at the beginning of the year, and many players have had a chance to rest. The new year will bring new chances and new hopes among all players. After all the highest prize money of 2,300,000 Australian Dollar is the highest pay for the winner of any Grand Slam and something to look forward to!

If you have never been to Australian Open, you may want to consider it. We are less than 60 days away. Call us for some great Australia travel packages.
Many believe that Melbourne is always 110 degrees and that the flights circle the globe before they reach Australia.

Here are some facts:
-Melbourne has variable climate in January. It is mostly very pleasant and may get hot only for a day.
-The flights to Australia take about 13 hours from San Fran or LAX. You take off late at night and you land early in the morning. You get off the flight good to go.
-Lastly, Australians love and respect Americans. You feel right at home.

The best time to visit Melbourne is in January during the Australian Open.
The city feels like a non stop party. Join the happy crowd at Melbourne Park for a session or 2. Eat amazing food,drink beautiful wines, party at the Australian Open and shop till you drop. Don’t wait . Join us. This is the best and the only way to get good tickets and premier access to the Australian Open Tennis.

Melbourne restaurants near the Australian Open Venue

noreply@blogger.com (TravelsWithSoha) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000

Are you ready? We have less than 80 days to go. In less than a month, Australian summer will begin. My heart beats when I think about it.Yes I am addicted to Melbourne especially during the Australian Open. I stay at the lovely Sofitel with my group, where I feel right at home. When I arrive it is about midday, I am excited and energetic. I run across the street to Cumulus Inc for lunch. Jason says oh hello you are back and he gives me a hug and a nice table right away. Lunch is fresh and delicious. I start with Oysters “ which are the best in Australia and New Zealand” and a nice glass of Chardonnay from Mornington Peninsula. I ask Jason of course to see which local wine is new and exciting. Restaurant is noisy, and full of locals and I love it because I know I am in Melbourne.

While on the street, the Australian Open flags dance with the wind. Trams have a big Australian poster in front, and destination indicates Melbourne Park. The first day starts with an opening ceremony and the show begins at Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and on all the outside courts.

Melbourne is crazy about its tennis. The fans dress up in their costumes paint their faces and have the best time of their lives. Every time, we take our seats at Rod Laver Arena, my clients look at me
and say “ these are great seats”. I feel very gratified. After all I have worked over 12 months to create my travel packages to the Australian Open. It is truly a privilege to have access to those exceptional seats.

Besides great seats I have to make sure that my Australian Open travel packages offer some of the best culinary experiences. Because Melbourne restaurants are fantastic. Sometimes, day session runs in to night session at Rod Laver Arena, so we grab some snacks at the corporate lounge and mingle with locals. On other occasions we stop at the Press Club bar for their 3 course tennis special. I also love the onion rings at Rockpool which is heaven for red meet lovers. The restaurant is upscale, but the same menu is available at the bar. I like to have fine food but prefer a less formal setting. My other favorite restaurant is Flower Drum which is a very established Chinese restaurant. I reserve a table for the group months in advance. For Tapas Movida is the local favorite which also requires advance reservation. To show more of the local scene, I take the group to Brunettis in Carlton for a great cup of cappuccino and Italian pastry. Our trip is not complete without having fish and chips in St Kilda.
Melbourne never sleeps. It is 1:30 Am, and we are all leaving the Arena after a long and exciting 5 set match. We can’t go to bed yet. So we stop at Supper Club for a light supper and beautiful glass of wine.

Not to forget the best culinary experience is the wonderful lunch we have at the Wine Country. In a great setting, you choose your 3 courses from the restaurants menu and I pick the wines. Do not worry, you get to sample some of the best Shiraz and Chardonnay from the region.

Stay tuned for more on the Australian Open activities.

Flights to Australia and Myths about Melbourne Weather

noreply@blogger.com (TravelsWithSoha) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 03:31:00 +0000

Good to Know

Going to the Australian Open but do not know what to expect ?

Most of us think that Melbourne is the end of the world, and it is as hot as hell.
Australia, is down under but somehow the flight is not as bad as most of us think.
The flights to Sydney from San Fran or LA take about 13.5 hours. It always leaves late at night and lands in Sydney or Melbourne around 7: 00 Am. You loose 1 day on the calendar but you do not suffer from a terrible jet lag .The flight from Melbourne to Sydney is about 1 hour. Once you arrive, you realize the long trip it is well worth it.

Australians make you feel at home. They are genuine and they love and respect American tourists.

Why are flights to Australia and New Zealand so expensive in January?

January is the end of summer for Australian and New Zealanders. Kids start school at the end of January. When we are traveling to the Australian Open, the natives are returning from their summer holiday. Australians have had a fantastic economic boom and can afford traveling abroad. United bumps about 20 passengers every night between January 10- 15. Check in on line or early if you are traveling on United on those dates.

Melbourne’s weather

Many believe that Melbourne during the Australian Open gets too hot. The truth is that Melbourne’s temperature during the Australian Open is quite variable and Melbourne is never always very hot. I always say Melbourne has moody weather. If you spend a week in Melbourne during the Australian Open, you will have great weather and may experience a day of extreme heat. This never lasts. But Melbourne could get quite cool at night. Be sure to pack a sweater, a light jacket and sweatshirt for night matches. During the day temperatures run between 65- to 80 F.

What about matches during Extreme heat or inclement weather ?

The Australian open has 2 Stadiums with controlled roof tops. It only takes 20 minutes to close the roofs. The roof could be closed during extreme heat but not before the matches are suspended on the outside courts. In 2003, Australian Open adopted an extreme heat policy for the health of players,fans and on- court staff. The WBGT is a measure of heat stress index and takes into account the actual temperature as well as radiation, wind, and humidity. It is a combination of the WBGT with the actual air temperature that is used to decide whether the EHP should be activated. If temperature reaches (90F) with high humidity,intense solar radiation, and wind, all matches are suspended outdoors and the roof will be closed at Rod Laver Arena. This is however At the Referee's discretion, when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature only (WBGT) is equal to or above the pre- determined threshold, the Referee may suspend the commencement of any further matches on outside courts. Any matches currently in progress will continue until the end of the current set. At the completion of the set, play will be suspended. The roofs could not be closed until matches are suspended on the outside courts.

The Australian Open Tennis Tickets

noreply@blogger.com (TravelsWithSoha) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:33:00 +0000

GOOD TO KNOW

Australian Open Venue
In January 2012, there would be no better place to be than Melbourne Park. This is the home of the Australian Open tennis Championships with 2 major courts, 3 show courts and 20 outside courts. The Centre Court, named Rod Laver Arena has a capacity of nearly 15,000, and has a retractable roof. The second largest court is Hisense Arena,which has a capacity of 10,500, and also has a retractable roof. The former Show Court 1 now named the Margaret Court Arena will have a retractable roof by 2015. There are 20 additional outside courts for you to spot those great matches. The retractable roofs could be closed during inclement weather or extreme heat wave.

Accessibility and location
Melbourne Park is adjacent to the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Yarra Park, and there are several pedestrian bridges linking the two across the separating railway lines. The park is five minutes walk from Richmond and Jolimont railway stations, and five minutes from the city centre by tram (route 70) or ten minutes on foot.Trams are free of charge with your tennis tickets.

Sessions and Matches
The Australian Open will be played from Jan 16-29, 2012. There are 25 sessions in total as 2 sessions each day until Friday January 27. The day sessions begin at 11.00 AM followed by the night session starting at 7:30 PM. Tickets are sold for Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena or for the Grounds. Tickets purchased for Hisense or Rod Laver Arenas will give you access to all outside courts. The best seats are mostly sold through Official Agents of the Australian Open. Scalping and secondary market is a big NO NO at the Australian Open and unacceptable in Australian society.

Our Seats
Our travel packages offer some of the best Australian Open tennis tickets for you to choose from.

A- Rod Laver Arena Corporate Gold Tickets
Tickets are located in Row 7, behind baseline and always in the shade. This is the highest category seating at Rod Laver Arena.

B- Rod Laver Arena Corporate Bronze Tickets
Sideline, Corporate section in rows E/F/G . Rows A and B could be obstructed and are in the sun the longest. We have chosen our seats location carefully so you have 100 percent visual command and could see players sweat! Also our seats are in total shade by 3.30 Pm and the sun is always behind you.

C- Corporate seats at Hisense Arena
Seats are located in the lower section in the shade behind baseline.

D- Reserved seats at Rod Laver Arena
Seats located in the lower or upper section for the last five sessions.

Stay tuned for more tips on travel packages to the Australian Open 2012 .

Australian Open Championships, the first Grand Slam of the year

noreply@blogger.com (TravelsWithSoha) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:44:00 +0000

A perfect tennis vacation for all tennis fans!

In my household, traveling to the Australian Open has become a tradition. It all started, 12 years ago when I was watching Menʼs final on television. It was love at first sight, watching all the happy people sitting at the Grand Oval watching the tennis on that beautiful sunny day. Soon after, I organized my first trip to the Australian Open for 19 tennis enthusiasts who had previously traveled to the French Open with me. Many have returned year after year to the Australian Open tennis Chamionships. Some as many as 5 times. People always find my trips to the Australian Open a truly perfect tennis vacation.

My luxury travel packages to the Australian Open 2012 offer generous number of tennis tickets. I have reserved some of the best seats at Rod Laver and Hisense Arenas. You will sleep at the finest 5 star Hotel, and would get tennis lessons with an elite ATP tour player and coach at the finest tennis club in Melbourne. Watching top players and playing afterwords with an elite pro improves everyoneʼs game beautifully. Improving your game effortlessly while having a great time, what else could you ask for?

What makes me apart from other tour companies, is my undivided attention, the passion for the game and the depth of knowledge about Australia. Yes, I have traveled to Melbourne many times, have slept in most hotel rooms, and have tried different restaurants so I could bring the best of the city to my clients. I have extensive knowledge about Australian wines, and culture. I do not however, rely only on my own experiences. Rest assured, you will benefit from exceptional services of top professional, as I only engage people who are best in their field.

I do not just sell the best Australian Open tickets. I sell a week of memorable experiences. With my insider tips, you will know where to sleep, what to drink, what to eat, what to see and where to shop. My services are incomparable and unparalleled . Also, I believe traveling to tennis Grand Slam Tournaments is for everyone. I am flexible and create top quality travel packages for different budgets, travel styles and preferences. I listen to you and try to accommodate you the best way possible. I am connected and respected in Melbourneʼs community. Therefore, when you join Travels with Soha in Melbourne, you are treated with respect and receive great attention. Yes you would even feel special and pampered. I am convinced that my Australian Open 2012 trip promises fantastic experiences with great value.

All Eyes on the US Open

noreply@blogger.com (TravelsWithSoha) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:39:00 +0000

All Eyes on the US Open.

Is Roger ready to win again? Let’s not write him off yet. Roger is only 30 and looking to win this US Open and the Australian Open 2012 . One of the secrets of Federer’s success is his fitness and the main reason for staying injury free for so long . While, all the greats are coming back to Flushing Meadows wounded with injuries , Roger seems less vulnerable and untouched by stress, injury or fatigue. Maybe, Roger will give himself a mighty precious gift for his 30th birthday as the winner of US Open 2011.

The scenario repeats itself on the ladies side. The world of tennis is currently suffering from injury pile up. There are more high-profile withdrawals in tennis than ever before. The back-to-back tournament schedules is the main cause. Players have no time to recover, they play with injury rather than pulling out. Players quit when the pain becomes unbearable . The next Grand Slamwill be held in Melbourne, Australia in January. The players get a bit of time off at the end of the year. We hope to see them all rested, healed and ready for the big battle at the Australian Open 2012 in Melbourne.

Experience Australia with Great Australia Travel Packages

noreply@blogger.com (TravelsWithSoha) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:39:00 +0000

From the Gold Coast to Melbourne City or Sydney's Opera house, Australia certainly has much to offer travelers. Book your trip with an Australia travel package to experience the wealth of attractions Australia has to offer. Whether it's the view from atop the Bridge Climb over Sydney Harbor 134 meters up or the culture to enjoy in one of Melbourne's theaters or multitude of restaurants, you're sure to find everything you're looking for. Be sure to find the right travel package for all your needs.

Hundreds of thousands travel to Melbourne every year to see the Australian Open. An Australian Open tennis tour package can assure you get great seats for all the action, while making sure you're hotel is within walking distance to Melbourne Park. Catch all the memorable moments of the Open, while traveling in comfort. If you are thinking about attending the Australian Open 2012, book your Australia travel packages and rest assured you won't be missing out.

Melbourne boasts of having more restaurants than days in the year. If you're looking for great food and wine, you've come to right place. Along with great boutiques and luxury shops, there is plenty of culture to experience in Melbourne. Sydney is well known for the Opera house along the harbor. Come see this beautiful piece of architecture in for yourself in person. Sydney also has many great gourmet restaurants to enjoy a fine meal in.

Maybe you are looking for a fun, family vacation. The Gold Coast has many attractions for you and your family to enjoy. Relax on the beautiful beaches or surf at one of the worlds best surfing beaches. Theme parks like Wet-n-Wild, Dreamworld, Warner Brothers and Sea World are guaranteed to offer great family memories. There is so much to see and do in Australia and Australia travel packages are a great way to assure you're able to experience it all!