Can’t say I’m into the Pav. But who doesn’t love Ferraris? So assume that’s a rock for Modena.
Are you gifting her a lounge pass or does she have status or booked in business?
Whilst the lounge isn’t great it’s still better than nothing if lounges are a novelty
To the south of Koblenz? Gorgeous area, picturesque hills, castles and old German towns. Travelled that way last year by train, simply stunning in the summer.
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But I also have regular QC passes.
Presume she can’t go to the Etihad lounge (would that be for code share situations?)
So she is booked in business to Japan with Qantas?
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Yes, Koblenz south. Boppard, St Goar and Rudesheim in particular.
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^^ THIS ^^
I had a work junket to Germany a couple of years ago, which I topped and tailed with weekends in Munich and Frankfurt. Frankfurt was about half a day to see its sights. Spent the rest of the time visiting nearby places like Mainz and Heidelberg. Munich itself has days and days of sights… add another if you want to go see Neuschwanstein…
Haven’t been to Modena, so can’t comment.
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You can pay for entry into lounges.
Not sure about Etihad or Qantas.
I always think it’s worth it on long haul. Nothing like a shower on a lay over to make you feel human again.
Seems expensive at the time but it’s cheaper generally than paying for any scheme qualifying for it.
Eg flying a lot with the one airline instead of shopping around or if your an infrequent holiday flyer.
Unless of course work is paying.
I know this has been asked a million times. I just can’t find what has been said.
Travelling to Japan (Like everyone else) later this month.
What is the best way to handle money? I have a Commbank travel card which you preload which is pretty good.
Is there a card with no fees, good exchange rates and has rewards of some kind?
As others have said give Frankfurt a miss. It’s a modern financial center with little to offer tourists. The old town (such as it is) can be covered in an hour or 2.
The only reason to come here is to change trains for the trip south to the gorgeous Rhine towns & villages. Heidelberg is a personal favourite.
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Loads of options.
I keep a Revolut, or their main competitor is Wise. Basically a Mastercard debit card where you can pre buy some currencies or just pay for stuff with the forex rate at the time.
Theres other cards too from international banks and probably one or two local.
I like using the Revolut as it’s super easy and fast to top up. But you do
need to pay a little if you want to withdraw a lot of cash.( I think it’s fee free up to a small cap then 1.5% after or something like that)
Here’s a list of traditional credit cards: 10 Of The Best Travel Credit Cards in Australia in 2025
Could be wrong but I think most Australian banks hit you with a forex fee that’s higher than Wise and Revolut
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There is no Etihad lounge in Melbourne, long gone and is now the House lounge.
The House Lounge is one of 3 pay lounges at MEL, the others being Plaza Premium and Marhaba lounge.
If you are flying Qantas though to Oceania, Asia or Europe and you are flying Business or are a Qantas Gold or higher tier then you have access to the Emirates lounge which is far superior to the Qantas business lounge and on par or slightly better than the Qantas First lounge
Another plus for Modena is a short train trip to Bologna, its piazza, architecture, Milanese style food and small shops selling clothing like shirts with top cotton textiles.
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I would rather be at my home than an airport lounge in Australia.
I’m talking transit lounges on long haul. Eg Asia or the Americas as an example. Where there is usually a variety available.(not all available to buy your way into mind you)
Macquarie debit card has no overseas fees.
I use this and Wise.
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Unfortunately there is a fair chance that you will have to spend some time at an Australian airport as airlines have really cracked down on check in times and most people tend to check in around the 2-3hr mark so more than likely you will have a couple of hours at the airport and the poster was enquiring about a lounge when departing Australia so I gave the options.
Most major airports will have at least one pay option but most are pretty average quality but at $70 for 3hrs which is around the going rate many still find that a better option to being stuck in the terminal
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I dunno I’m sure there’s pretty decent pay as you go options on the better large transit airports
With a hot shower, place to relax maybe even a bed for a nap.
Cheaper to pay for them than maintain whatever status you need to get into the “free” ones
There are some that are ok but most are not as good as good as the regular lounges. Some put restrictions on alcohol and have minimal shower spaces etc but they are still better than the alternative and as you said cheaper than other options.
Plenty of CC’s give some form of lounge access too so always to good to check. AMEX lounges for example arent great but better than nothing.
Obviously the discussion changes when it’s a family as $200+ might be better spent at the terminal, it’s all subjective of course
Yeah my point is the money might sting at the lounge but it’s cheaper than qualifying for it. Unless your on work paid travel or work perks.
And obviously the cheaper a lounge is the more popular/less appealing the offering is.(eg if it’s via a credit card)
Just wondering if anyone’s done a Kimberley coastal cruise and can share their experiences and recommendations?
We’re just starting our research and think Coral Expeditions seems like a good fit for us. We like the idea of a smaller vessel and more informal trip. Definitely not interested in free flowing alcohol, butler service or formal dressing for dinner on a trip like this.
Any suggestions or info anyone can provide is greatly appreciated.