Tupac sang about his; Abraham Lincoln and George Washington publicly attributed their success to theirs; while Sandra Bullock won an Oscar playing someone else’s… Mothers, they come in all shapes and sizes, and wear different hats – woman, wife, daughter and friend.

Whether they are an archetypical mother who bakes treats and tends to damaged knees, or a dynamic career woman who juggles diverse roles; all caring and loving mothers deserve praise and reverence.

While a mother’s talents, strength and love should be acclaimed every day of the year, Mother’s Day is a great time for reflection and tribute, and the perfect opportunity to give back.

If you’re searching for an exceptional Mother’s Day present, look no further… we have a number of outstanding gift ideas that will show your mum, grandma, wife, sister or best friend just how much you care on Sunday 13 May.

Gift Vouchers

In our opinion, there is nothing more thrilling than travel. Surprise your hard-to-buy-for mum with a Virgin Australia gift voucher. Valid for 12 months, our gift vouchers can be used towards all Virgin Australia flights and Blue Holidays packages. You can even put an extra bit of love into it by choosing the template. Find out more about Virgin Australia gift vouchers.

Mystery Breaks

Keep mum guessing this Mother’s Day with a Mystery Break.  Mystery Breaks are a unique and exciting way to experience Australia. You won’t even be able to ruin the surprise, as destinations are not revealed until one to four days before travel.  All packages include return airfares, accommodation, return airport transfers, baggage allowance, taxes and sometimes more! Find out more about Virgin Australia Mystery Breaks. 

18th Biennale of Sydney

Held every two years, the Biennale of Sydney is Australia’s largest contemporary visual arts event. Showcasing bold and innovative contemporary art from around the world, this year’s exhibition will be presented from 27 June to 16 September in the heart of Sydney. Treat your mother to a spectacular display of culture and art, our holiday partner, Blue Holiday offers Biennale of Sydney flights and accommodation packages, from $339. Find out more about Blue Holiday’s 18^th Biennale of Sydney package.

Hamburg Ballet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The Hamburg Ballet, the Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hamburg State Opera bring together some of the world’s greatest artistic talents for The Hamburg Season. Commencing 23 August at Brisbane’s QPAC, this once in lifetime cultural celebration will delight, entertain and inspire your mother.  Our holiday partner, Blue Holiday offers flights, accommodation and Hamburg Ballet ticket packages, from $541. Find out more about Blue Holiday’s Hamburg Ballet package.

The Mousetrap (Sydney, Melbourne and Perth)

The world’s longest running stage production, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap finally hits Australian shores this June, for shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. A murder mystery, known its twist ending, The Mousetrap is a thrilling and suspenseful tale that will have your mum asking “whodunit?” Our holiday partner, Blue Holiday offers flights, accommodation and The Mousetrap tickets packages, from $491. Find out more about Blue Holiday’s Sydney, Melbourne and Perth The Mousetrap packages.

Hunter Valley Cheese, Chocolate & Wine Tour

Treat your mum to acclaimed wines, a relaxing light lunch, and delicious chocolates and cheeses in the picturesque Hunter Valley.  Our activities partner, GoDo offers a full day Hunter Valley tour, which includes hotel pick up, from $65. Virgin Australia operates flights to the Newcastle, direct from Brisbane and Melbourne, while our hotel partner HotelClub has a range of great deals on Hunter Valley and Newcastle hotels.  Find out more about GoDo’s Hunter Valley Cheese, Chocolate & Wine Tour.

Mother’s Day Lunch on Sydney Harbour

Discover Sydney’s beautiful harbour from a special Mother’s Day lunch cruise. Welcomed on board with sparkling wine and a lovely chrysanthemum, your mum will be treated to a delicious seafood and carvery buffet. Prices start from $68, for our activities partner GoDo. Virgin Australia operates flights to the Sydney from Australian and New Zealand capital cities and most major regional Australian ports. Our hotel partner HotelClub has a range of great deals on Sydney hotels. Find out more about GoDo’s Mother’s Day Lunch on Sydney Harbour.  

Virgin Australia and partners Blue Holidays, HotelClub and GoDo have a whole host of other great Mother’s Day gift ideas.

For more information visit:
Flights and gift vouchers: Virgin Australia
Packages: Blue Holidays
Tours and activities: Godo
Hotels: HotelClub

Having tried and tested the amenity kits of eighteen international airlines, the editorial team of Global Traveler Magazine awarded our new 2012 range with:

- The Best Overall in Business Class
- The Best Spa Product for our  Vanilla & Orange Peel Hand Cream, from Australian organics brand Grown
- The Best Women’s Product for our Facial Moisturizer

To celebrate, Grown has extended a special offer to Virgin Australia’s online community from May 2nd until May 23rd. Simply enter the promotional code “11223” when you purchase any item on Grown’s website www.grown.com to receive a free 65ml Vanilla & Orange Peel Hand Cream.

The new 2012 range has been designed to incorporate more sustainable packaging, generous volumes of product to last longer throughout the travel journey and new exciting features such vibrant kit interiors and collectable postcard series in Economy Class. You can check-out the contents in the kits below:

Flexi guests can choose between a hot or continental breakfast. Hot breakfasts include scrambled eggs and bacon, or frittatas, served with fresh local fruit. Continental breakfasts include gourmet cereals (such as Bircher Muesli), a bakery item and fresh local fruit.

Lunch and dinner meals now include options such as braised lamb or butter chicken – a vegetarian selection is also available. All hot Flexi meals are served with a bread roll and dessert, including chocolates, slices, cakes or ice cream.

Premium Economy guests are privy to new Flexi meals in addition to their other on board entitlements.

The awards, which coincide with the UNEP World Environment Day, which is held on June 5th annually, recognise innovative and outstanding environmental programs and initiatives from across Australia.

This year, we will be sponsoring the Community Award, which will be awarded to an Australian individual, organisation or business who is actively promoting species, habitats or the environment in their local area. The Award is open to land, waterways and coastal/marine environment based projects.

If you or someone you know is going above and beyond to protect their local environment, you can nominate now by simply filling in the entry form, available here.

Nominations are open nationally until Friday 4 May 2012 and the winner will be announced at the World Environment Day Awards presentation dinner, which will be held on Friday 8th June at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.

Stayed tuned to the Virgin Australia blog for further updates on the World Environment Day Awards.

Virgin Australia’s Sustainability Manager, David White presenting the 2011 Virgin Australia Business World Environment Day Award to the Fridge Buyback Program team, which came up with an innovative and energy efficient plan to manage old, unused fridges.

A trip to Shanghai is an eye-opening experience.  Nicknamed “Whore of the Orient” during the Golden Age of the mid-1800s to mid-1900s, the city was once rife with opium dens, brothels, gambling houses and a strong crime trade. Populous and ever-morphing Shanghai has since transformed into the “Pearl of the Orient” – a sophisticated playground for expats and socialites, where the trials and triumphs of capitalism are omnipresent and all-embraced.

Typified by flashing neon lights, a bustling cityscape and one of the world’s most recognisable skylines, Shanghai is a trend and pace setting showpiece of China’s economy – where the East first met the West with exciting new-world assertiveness.

If you’re looking to explore China’s history visit Beijing… If you’re looking for a good time visit Shanghai. Flashy mega high-rises tower into the air, showcasing opulent restaurants and shopping facilities; while the streets are abuzz into the early hours of the morning with lively bars and nightclubs.

Where to stay

Conveniently located at Xintiandi Plaza, in the heart of downtown Shanghai, the 88 Xintiandi is designed with luxurious comfort and style.  Set in the city’s former French Concession, the hotel’s modern and beautiful interiors match its upscale shopping, dining and nightlife surrounds.

The Portman Ritz-Carlton also offers great access to Shanghai’s touted retail scene. Located smack in the centre of Shanghai’s smartest shopping street, Nanjing Xi Road, the hotel fosters a warm and relaxed ambience that embraces local culture.

Close by the Bund, the Astor House Hotel is within easy reach of Shanghai major attractions – including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, People’s Park and Shanghai Museum. Retaining the essence of its colonial-era architecture, the hotel offers 116 rooms, including Celebrity Rooms (where names such as Einstein and Chaplin have stayed).  Just minutes away, styled with art deco interiors, The Peninsula offers luxury accommodation on the historic Bund. The hotel’s 235 rooms pay homage to the city’s history, while focusing on modern technology and fittings.

Within the Jin Mao Tower in Pudong, The Grand Hyatt overlooks the famous Oriental Pearl TV Tower and provides easy access to the Shanghai World Financial Centre and Yuyuan Garden. Once the world’s tallest hotel, the Hyatt has 88 floors and features 12 restaurants, including Cloud 9 – a cocktail bar famous for its Star Trek interiors. Located on the famous Huangpu River, Pudong Shangri-La Hotel also enjoys spectacular views of the Bund and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower from two signature buildings: the elegant River Wing and the exclusive Grand Tower.

Where to eat and drink

A waterfront promenade of restaurants and bars, the cosmopolitan Bund comes alive at night with revellers and the reflections of Pudong’s lit-up skyline. Rooftop or alfresco dining overlooking the city’s most famous street makes for a memorable Shanghai experience. Book a table on the open-air balcony of M on the Bund, or enjoy a romantic dinner at The Cupola atop Three on the Bund. A hotbed for the glamorous and trendy, the Bund also hosts a number of popular nightspots – including Bar Rouge’s Sky Lounge, Zeal at South Bund 22, M1NT and Shelter.

One of China’s first lifestyle centres, the Xintiandi district also typifies Shanghai’s cosmopolitan nature. Located in the centre of the city, the precinct is divided into two blocks – The South Block hosts global restaurants, cafes and bars; while the North Block is lined with Shikumen buildings and international restaurants. Taiwanese chain, Din Tai Fung is one of the Xintiandi district’s most renowned eateries – a favourite haunt for Chinese celebrities and locals.

On the eastern side of the Huangpu River, the city’s newest and most recognisable district, Pudong hosts Shanghai’s famous skyline. As China’s financial and commercial hub, the area is populated by a number of business towers, which house world-class restaurants and bars. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower features a 91st floor revolving restaurant that showcases panoramic views of Shanghai. While the Shangri-La Tower also displays stunning views of the city from an impressive array of restaurants – most notably Jade on 36.

Where to shop

Shanghai is a shopping mecca. Shopping streets overwhelm quaint neighbourhoods, mega complexes reach skyward, while some of the city’s most historic centres accommodate trendy and modern retail precincts.

Shanghai’s shopping areas are distinctively divided into “Four Streets and Four Cities“.

Nanjing Road is the most famous of the streets and one of the world’s busiest thoroughfares – a six kilometres long stretch of malls, outlets and stores spread over two sections: east and west. Huaihai Road is celebrated for its elegance, showcasing top-end international designer brands. North Sichuan Road is a bargain hunter’s go-to, offering inexpensive titbits. While Middle Tibet Road caters for the Shanghai’s food and tourism shopping needs.

Yuyuan Shopping City is the city’s most renowned shopping city, specialising in Chinese goods, arts and craft, precious stones and metals and jewellery. Shopping and entertainment plaza, Xujiahui Shopping City sells upmarket and mid-range priced goods. New Shanghai Shopping City is grand and opulent, offering first class facilities and amenities. While Jiali Sleepless City is a great destination for souvenir shopping.

How to get there

Virgin Australia operates codeshare flights with Singapore Airlines to Shanghai from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin. Our partner, HotelClub takes the hassle out of planning accommodation in Shanghai with great hotel deals.

What would at the top of your list to do when you visit Shanghai?

A game so different to other disciplines grouped under the ‘football’ moniker, the AFL was invented in Melbourne in the mid-19th century out of the desire for a winter off-sport. What started out as a match between two school-boy teams has grown into one of Australia’s favourite sports – supported by millions of face-paint wearing, team song chanting, jersey sporting die-hard fans.

Virgin Australia is proud to be one of these ardent fans, so much so that we’ve join forces with the code to become the “official airline of the AFL”. Our partnership has us following this year’s game results and teams with unrivalled passion.

We were there when Fremantle defender, Michael Johnson came good on his promise to make up for his lacklustre 2011 season. We witnessed Melbourne break convention, when they presented jumpers to their debutants in a huddle on the ground instead of in the rooms. We applauded West Coast’s forward Josh Kennedy as he booted goal after goal to help the Eagles secure a 49-point win over the Western Bulldogs.  And we joined with the nation to pay our respect for AFL champion Jim Stynes when he lost his battle with cancer.

As round two gets well underway and the league gears up for round three, we have launched – in conjunction with the AFL Event Office and Blue Holidays – our Any Game Anywhere initiative.

Any Game Anywhere is a simple, fully customised website that enables AFL fans to choose their favourite team and destination, and book game tickets, airfares and accommodation all in a few easy steps.

Virgin Australia Group Executive of Commercial, Liz Savage, said “We are very proud to be the official airline of the AFL, and Virgin Australia is excited to offer AFL fans a range of tailor made packages through this innovative new site. With the convenience of additional flights, more often, we are committed to getting fans to any game anywhere in the country”.

AFL General Manager – Commercial Operations, Darren Birch said, “Any Game Anywhere footy packages are available for all games throughout the 2012 Toyota AFL Premiership Season along with 2012 Toyota AFL Finals Series. The Any Game Anywhere site is dedicated to the AFL code providing an interactive platform for fans, hosting a load of AFL content and news to keep fans updated on their team.”

Take the hassle out of planning your AFL weekend away… All packages include airfares, accommodation and a ticket to the game.

• For more information, or to build a package, log on to www.anygameanywhere.com.au.

Virgin Australia operates flights direct to the birthplace of AFL, Melbourne, daily from all state capital cities and some major regional ports.

Our holiday program, Blue Holidays in conjunction with Tourism Victoria, also has a range of AFL packages on offer, from $324* per person.

We have just announced the next phase of our alliance with Singapore Airlines: the start of codeshare services on Singapore Airlines flights to Asia and beyond.

Virgin Australia guests can now book and travel on codeshare flights to Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Cape Town, Johannesburg and London.

Over the next few months, codeshare services to other destinations including India, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia will also be made available.

These announcements follow the launch of reciprocal frequent flyer recognition last year and the start of Singapore Airlines’ codeshare on Virgin Australia domestic flights last month.

Virgin Australia Group Executive of Alliances, Network and Yield Merren McArthur said: “Over the past few months we have been working closely with Singapore Airlines to ensure we provide a seamless first-rate travel experience for our guests. As a result of our new alliance, Virgin Australia guests will be able to travel from all over Australia to destinations throughout Asia and beyond on a single ticket.

“The alliance also enables eligible Members of Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem frequent flyer Points and Status Credits on Singapore Airlines operated flights and provides access for eligible guests to Singapore Airlines lounges across the globe”, Ms McArthur said.

In celebration of our new codeshare services, Virgin Australia is offering special fares^*, including:

• $914 for return flights from Adelaide to Singapore,
• $1,178 for return flights from Sydney to Beijing, and
• $2131 for return flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg.

^* Sale fares are on sale until 05 April 2012. Fares are correct as at 29 March 2012. Fares are per person return and inclusive of taxes and charges. Conditions apply; please see www.virginaustralia.com for further information.

Not only will the evening feature an introduction to the film by Hemsworth, one of its stars, but drinks will be served prior to the showing and there will be a reception to follow.

As the presenting sponsor and the official airline of Australians in Film, we want to treat three lucky fans to a pair of passes to this fabulous movie night.

To win your way in, simply be one of the first three people to comment on this post with the first and last names of two people you would like to be added to the guest list. To be eligible comments must be posted by 2:30pm PST tomorrow (3/28).

It is all happening 7:30 pm Thursday, March 29 at Writers Guild Theater, 135 South Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Ready to experience the homeland of Hemsworth?

Virgin Australia can get you there in high style.  Fly like the star you are and experience our attentive in-flight service, boutique bars, gourmet meals, generous legroom, state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, and unique mood lighting.  Explore our latest fares from LA to Australia.

No purchase necessary to win.  Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the United States or the District of Columbia, age 18 or older at time of entry.  Winner must reside within the Greater Los Angeles area.  Transportation not provided.  Tickets are transferrable if designated by winner.

Located directly adjacent to the terminal, the new service means all Virgin Australia guests can now pull up to the kerbside, leave their keys with the valet and be checked into their flight straight away at the dedicated valet reception area.

The Premium Valet was officially launched this morning with the help of V8 Supercar Champions Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup, who tested out the service for the first time in TeamVodafone cars.

“As V8 drivers and frequent flyers, time is always of the essence. Having tried and tested the new Premium Valet this morning, we can say with confidence that it will make getting to the airport and then to your flight a quick and convenient process”, Craig Lowndes said.

“We know they’ll look after the car too, with undercover parking and the option for cleaning services during the car’s stay”, Jamie Whincup added.

Virgin Australia Group Executive of Product and Guest Services Martin Daley said the Premium Valet was one of a range of new products and services the airline was introducing to enhance the airport experience for guests.

“Soon Virgin Australia guests will be able to enjoy concierge services at Gold Coast and Canberra, an enhanced lounge at Perth and a brand new lounge at the Gold Coast”.

Premium Valet service at Brisbane Domestic Airport is open every day, one hour prior to the first flight until 30 minutes after the last flight of the day, with prices starting from $55.00 for up to 14 hours and $65.00 for up to 24 hours.

If you would like more information about the service, please visit our website here.

*****

Will the new Premium Valet at Brisbane Airport be a service you will look to use?

A source of inspiration, a teacher, a guide, a saviour during wait times, a companion in the jet-lag hours, and a travel buddy on the road and in the air – a good book is atop most seasoned travellers’ must-pack list.

Before and while travelling it’s a good idea to read a book to gain a sense of culture and experience a taste of what’s to come. Over a million books are published every year; a feat that can make it hard to weed out the good from the bad. To help you choose what book to take away with you on your next trip we’ve pulled together a list of travel-centred recommendations.

On the Road by American writer Jack Kerouac is a largely autobiographical work, based on road trips made by a group of friends across America. The Telegraph Travel explained that the book should come with a warning: “proceed with caution; you may never be able to settle in one place again.” The 1950’s cult classic transports the reader from New York to LA, encountering music, poetry and wild antics along the way.

Like Jack Kerouac, Alex Garland explores themes of restlessness and escapism, in his novel The Beach. Made into the famous film by the same name (starring Leonardo DiCaprio) The Beach follows a British backpacker’s search for utopia. Since its 1997 release, the semi-autobiographical story, set in Thailand, has inspired a generation of gap-year students to travel to the Far East on symbolic voyages of self-discovery.

Colin McPhee, a young Canadian-American composer just out of college, also travelled to South East Asia, but to study the people, culture, and music of Bali. Littered with lyrical prose his book, A House in Bali is a warm-hearted account of island life, and a great introduction to exotic Indonesia.

Encapsulating the mystique of the South Pacific, James A. Michener‘s semi-historical novel Tales of the South Pacific won the 1948 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.  Based in and around Vanuatu, Michener’s story gives the reader a great sense of life in the Pacific during World War Two, and probes universal subjects of love, war and cultural difference.

One of history’s most prolific travel novelists, Bill Bryson received great acclaim when he turned his attention to Australia. His 2001 story, In a Sunburned Country takes readers on a boisterous adventure, far beyond the beaten tourist path. The funny and fact-filled novel engages people with its campfire-style narration and humorous prose.

On his 44th birthday, English travel author Eric Newby embarked on a 1200-mile journey down India’s Ganges River, resulting his novel Slowly Down the Ganges.  A spiritual and colourful journey, the story comes alive with charming characters, and truly captures the sights, sounds and enchantment of travelling in India.

Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun, as the name implies, explores Tuscany and its traditions and cuisine. Entering into a new and testing world, Mayes tells a charismatic part-autobiographical tale about life in Italy, through the voice of a poet, the eyes of a seasoned traveller, and the palate of a cook.

Rediscovering ‘wanderlust’ – a German word that translates to ‘crave for travel’ – and venturing where few travellers have gone before, British writer Ben Donald visits ‘unseen’ Germany in order to upend clichés. What emerges isSpringtime for Germany, a hilarious exploration of untold Germany and its people.

Intrepid traveller, Colin Thubron delivers a captivating account of Russia in his novel Among the Russians. Journeying from St Petersburg to Armenia, Thubron’s thought-provoking social commentary exposes the lives of everyday Russians living under a harsh Communist regime at the end of the Brezhnev era.

Dissimilar in nature and length to the books previously mentioned, but just as acclaimed and insightful, Dr Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go is a classic read for those looking to explore. The book concerns life and its challenges, as the protagonist – spurred on by the thoughts of places he will visit and things he will encounter – discovers himself and the world.

Books often hold a memory of where you have been. Whether it’s the quotes you underlined one night in Morocco, the red-wine stains you accidently made in Paris, the water damage you carelessly caused in Fiji, or the page you had to tear out to write down a number in Dublin… books you’ve travelled with have a way of recalling memories, experiences and emotions.

What are your favourite books to read on holidays? And where would you most like to go for your next trip?

Do you need inspiration? Check out our amazing worldwide destinations and carefree holiday packages, and keep up to date with our daily best fares.