Category: Travel Guide

Pilot Plan to Welcome International Students in NSW, Will Start in the Second Half of 2021

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet affirmed today that NSW Health and NSW Police had been approved a Pilot Plan to allow International Students to come back to Australia. The plan will start on the second half of 2021, and it will intend to receive 250 International Students fortnightly.

The first students would arrive in August 2021 in Charter Flights, and they would not take seats off from the commercial flights for Australians returning to the country. The students would have the same quarantine requirements as any other returning traveller, but they will stay in a special accommodation with 600 beds and Universities will cover all the costs.

The NSW authorities will aim to increase at the end of the year, the number of students arriving every 2 weeks from 250 to 500 students. The idea is to rescue the $14 billion that the students bring to the state every year.

“Typically, we have more than 250,000 international students studying in NSW each year and they directly supported over 95,000 local jobs prior to the pandemic. If we don’t act fast, students will turn to other overseas destinations, and it could take the sector decades to recover.” said Mr. Perrottet.

“This program has carefully considered the personal, social and academic aspects of our students to ensure they successfully resume their studies and rejoin NSW’s vibrant multicultural community as soon as possible.” said Professor Barney Glover, NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gopio.gauratravel.au/flight-deals/

Melbourne to Delhi|Qantas– Singapore Airlines (Return) — Flights from Melbourne to Delhi

Delhi India — Flights from Sydney to Delhi

Tags 2021, Australia, India, International Student, International Students, Lockdown, Melbourne, Multicultural Community, NSW, Quarantine, Students

Travel Guide

India ready to bounce back | Drastic decline in COVID-19 Cases

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

The world has seen unprecedented changes due to Covid -19. When India, the second most populous country in the world was hit by a devastating second wave of COVID-19, it was hard to imagine how the nation would combat it. But how can we forget that India is no ordinary country? Over its rich history, it has showed countless examples of its unparalleled ability to pick itself up and fight back.

A nation of 1.3 billion people battened down their hatches and came together to show enduring resilience in the fight against the pandemic. With the endless efforts of the frontline workers, government, and the courageous citizens of the country, India prepares itself to bounce back!

The covid cases across the country have witnessed a drop in daily caseload count and several Indian states have started to relax lockdown curbs as coronavirus infections subside.

Initially, the second wave saw India’s daily reported cases spike to more than 300,000 infections daily. However now, with a little over 100,000 new infections across India, daily cases in the country dropped to the lowest level seen in over two months. The seven-day average of new infections in the country has dropped by over 68% from the peak.

The country has so far administered 20,57,20,660 anti-Covid jabs and the recovery rate of patients has increased to 90.34%.

These numbers provide a great deal of relief and hope.

India Unites as One

In the midst of a brutal second wave and a shortage of crucial life saving supplies, India’s COVID-19 patients, and their families turned to social media to save lives. Thousands of people and volunteers amplified the requests of people searching for hospital beds, ventilators and oxygen cylinders on social platforms. Twitter hashtags like #CovidSOS and #CovidEmergency became popular among users. Volunteers set up websites and apps to track vaccine availability. Many people also volunteered to make home-cooked meals for patients quarantining at home while others offered assistance with tasks like grocery shopping. It is amazing to see how the country came together to help one another weather the unprecedented crisis.

Gaura Travel Resumes Flights from India to Australia

Even during the most devastating phase of COVID-19, our team was there 24×7 for our customers. We know a lot of you have been wanting to travel to Australia and have waited for the borders to reopen. We have amazing news for you – our flights from India to Australia are now open and operating. Flights for the month of July are available to Book Now.

Fly back home to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane! What are you waiting for? Book your tickets today!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gopio.gauratravel.au/flight-deals/

Tags Adelaide, Australia, Brisbane, covid-19, Guara Travel, India, Lockdown, Melbourne, Quarantining, Second Wave, Sydney, Ventilators

Travel Guide

Victoria Covid cases: restrictions reintroduced as cluster in Melbourne’s north grows to five

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

Victoria has recorded its fifth case today, which brings in new restrictions in the state. A man in his 60s was identified as the fifth case in the Melbourne northern suburbs outbreak, with Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton concerned the man may have been infectious since at least May 17.

Acting premier James Merlino announced today morning that from 6pm private gatherings in the home will be limited to five people, public gatherings will be limited to 30, and face masks will need to be worn indoors for everyone aged 12 years and older. That requirement includes workplaces within Metropolitan Melbourne. Schools and workplaces will stay open and there are no changes to current density rules.

The acting premier confirmed genomic sequencing showed the Whittlesea outbreak was “closely related” to a man in nearby Wollert who tested positive earlier this month after returning from hotel quarantine in South Australia.

Health authorities have now identified 10 exposure sites as they race to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Testing sites serving the city’s north were straining to cope with demand as people heeded public health advice.

“This is a stark reminder that waiting and thinking, ‘I will wait until the end of the year to get the Pfizer jab’… waiting is not an option,” he said. “If people want to avoid the situation we are in right now, there is something that everyone can do. If you are eligible, get vaccinated.”

The restrictions on Greater Melbourne are due to remain in place until 4 June. Four new locally acquired cases were reported on Monday, all from the same family across two households. A fifth case, a close contact, was notified by the Department of Health after midnight.

As a result of the outbreak, South Australian authorities have imposed fresh border restrictions in response to a cluster of four coronavirus cases detected in Melbourne yesterday. SA Police said people who have been to any one of several designated exposure sites at relevant times during the past week are now unable to enter the state.

The latest outbreak snapped Victoria’s 86-day streak without a locally acquired case. Victoria has 14 active cases, with the rest in hotel quarantine, and 14,892 tests in the 24 hours to Tuesday.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gopio.gauratravel.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, Chief Health Officer, covid vaccines, Melbourne, Metropolitan Melbourne, Pfizer, School, South Australia, Victoria, Whittlesea

Travel Guide

India Travel Ban to end on May 15, Scott Morrison confirms

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

Scott Morrison made it clear that this morning he wants repatriation flights to start on May 15 in out of India. “When travel pause begins and I expect to be the finding of National Security of Cabinet today, and I did predict this on last couple of days.” Mr. Clennell said.

Mr. Clennell said. With the 4^th paragraph of press release put up by Health Minister Greg Hunt on Friday night would say that there would be up to 5 years in jail for Australians returning from India without 14 days in a 3^rd country if they may come before May 15. Prime Minister blames media for highlighting that.

PM Blames media amid India Backlash

“I would argue that perhaps you may make a mistake that in emphasising punishment, which is what happened, would you agree was that a mistake?” asked by Mr. Clennell. Prime Minister said that “We didn’t. But media did that. There was a simple statement of what is bio-security act as the way affect. This is not something was said by Greg or me or someone else speak up on. In the media, they highlighted it. There are highly remote and strange from those extensions”.

As Scott Morrison further stated, the government’s controversial ban, which made it as an offence for individuals try to return back to Australia who staying in India within the prior 14 days, began on Monday and finishes by 15^th May. “The original decision to put in place that bio-security order until the 15th of May has proved very effective, and it will run its full course until that time without any change,” he said.

There are 9000 Australians who registered under Department of Foreign Affairs and Trades, Canberra and firstly they will give priority to repatriate 900 of vulnerable cases now. Prime Minister Morrison said they are anticipating another three repatriation flights before end of this month, to get back vulnerable Australians from India.

Currently, every Australians understand that’s decision by national government to try to strengthen Australian quarantine system, they are all aware that it has been so crucial to keep Australia safe during this crisis. However, authorities are expected that recent active cases in quarantine system will be at zero, or close to, by May 15.

No word on Commercial Flights

At the moment, Prime minister did not make any decision about commercial flights from India and would take further action on that next week. Further he mentioned that “What’s important is that the bio-security order that we have put in place has been highly effective, it’s doing the job that we needed it to do,”.

Looking at the brighter side, from May 15, all flights from India to Australia will resume back in operation.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gopio.gauratravel.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, Canberra, Foreign Affairs and Trades, India, Quarantine, Scott Morrison, travel ban

Travel Guide

Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirms India travel ban to end

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed the India travel ban imposed on 3 May will likely come to an end on May 15.

According to the ban, from May 3, Australians who travelled to India in the last 14 days will be prohibited from entering Australia due to concerns over India’s escalating Covid-19 pandemic, which nearly saw 400,000 cases in a single day on Sunday.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said any individual who overlooked the new restrictions would confront five years’ imprisonment, a fine of $66,600, or both.

Australian Government received a backlash for implementing the travel ban

The Australian government has come under the scrutiny and faced a major backlash for their act not just from the Indian community but also the members of the government. Media houses addressed, it is the first time that Australians have been criminalized for attempting to get back to their nation. No comparable measures were set up at the height of the Covid-19 epidemics in the UK and the US.

Speaking to sunrise, Morrison said the purpose of the temporary travel suspension was to give Australia time to prepare to safely repatriate and quarantine returned travellers.

“We needed to take a pause to make sure we put Australia in a safer position to bring people safely home,” he explained. Morrison also added that, the ban was a temporary two week pause and not a four months lockdown. All they wanted to ensure was the country does not face a third wave of COVID-19.

Prime Minister defends the Travel ban

Responding to the criticism faced over the travel ban, he defended the government’s policy and all accusations against it. “There is a raging pandemic, and we need to just continue to make decisions that are in the best health interests of Australia”

There are an estimated 9000 Australians stranded in India with a hope of returning to Australia. “At least open the doors for us … By closing borders, you have just killed our hope,” says Pankaj Sharma who is stranded in India for the past 8 months.

Looing at the brighter side, from May 15, all flights from India to Australia will resume back in operation.

Gaura Travel flights will be running as scheduled. The current dates available are 28 May, 4 June and 11 June.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gopio.gauratravel.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, Australian Government, covid-19, Gaura Travel, India, Pandemic, Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, travel ban

Travel Guide

International Students likely to be allowed to enter Victoria next month

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

Victoria is expected to welcome back more than 120 international students and workers 24 May onwards, under a state government plan to support its COVID-19 economic recovery.

Acting Premier James Merlino wrote a letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, addressing that the program would function on an “industry/user-pays model”. Relevant industries such as tertiary institutions, stage and screen productions and major event organisers, will provide funding for the operational costs.

“We’ve always said that we would work to welcome back international students when it is safe and reasonable to do so,” Mr Merlino said.

Where will the returned students quarantine?

The students would be staying in a separate hotel quarantine facility to returned Australians, with the arrangements identical to those made for the Australian Open.

The cost of the quarantine programme will be “in addition to” the $3000 fee charged by returning Australians for one adult. After consulting with related industries, a final fee will be determined. Victoria’s international passenger limit of 1000 arrivals per week will be unaffected by the international students.

Mr Merlino added, studens would arrive “where possible” on commercial passenger flights, subject to “operational guidelines to be developed in consultation with COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria”.

What health measures will be taken?

The program would be subject to the same health and safety measures as the system for returned Australian arrivals. The staff will wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the same standards as those in the health and complex care hotels. Workplace App would also be used for tracing purposes.

What do others have to say?

The Victorian opposition’s Higher Education spokesman Matt Bach appreciated the program proposal, but said it had come six months’ late.

“The government can hastily put together a plan to get international tennis stars into the state, some of whom were actually COVID positive, but when it comes to our most important export industry that’s worth $14 billion a year and supports 80,000 Victorian jobs, it’s taken six months,” he said.

Mr Merlino has requested the Commonwealth Government to continue to expedite and issue visas and exemptions to travel restrictions to support the program.

However, people will be allowed only from a selected countries for now which have low number of covid cases.

A final decision will be made after a meeting of health officials later today.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gopio.gauratravel.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australian, covid-19, International Student, Operational Guideline, Quarantine, Victoria

Travel Guide

When Home Calls

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

When COVID 19 happened, at first we did not know the extent of the impact it would have on us.

At that time my parents were with us and were scheduled to leave for India in a couple of weeks. We told ourselves that the pandemic might well be a blessing in disguise – it probably meant that we as a family would get to spend more time with each other. My 6-year old son was over the moon that he would get to go on more walks with his grandad and get to eat more sweets made by his grandma.

I wish we could have foreseen what lay head of us. The Victorian government went on to announce a strict lockdown. Within weeks, the very house that my parents loved, began to feel like prison. Wearing a mask became a thing of dread and going out for walks soon dwindled into oblivion.

Naturally, all of this resulted in one overwhelming desire – to go back to their home in India.

My parents longed to be reunited with the country that gave them everything, including me. I would see my mother control her tears at the sight of anything that reminded her of India. My father would watch every little piece of news about India with renewed vigour and interest.

The longing they had for their homeland, sat like a thorn that refused to go away. If anything it developed into a source of tremendous stress.

But with commercial flights grinding to a halt, there was no way back home. Not right then anyway. During a casual phone call, a friend of ours told us that Gaura Travel started operating charter flights from Australia to Delhi.

So what did we do? Well, I immediately took my phone and was about to call them when my wife reminded me that it was almost midnight! I recalled what my friend had said – that they were open 24/7. I flipped my laptop open and hit their website. And sure enough, I was chatting to them within seconds.

The lady chatting with us was professional, warm and reassuring. This was exactly what we needed to counter the anxiety my parents were going through and the stressful situation we found ourselves in.

Her accurate and timely responses meant we could take an informed decision – within the hour, we had booked our tickets. Given the extraordinary circumstances, we certainly did not expect to see things moving so fast. The next morning my father hugged me, thanking me. Yes, there were tears too.

Surprisingly, Gaura Travel offered to take that on for us as well and before I knew it they called me, letting me know that the exemption had been approved! This was 5-star levels of service.

The day arrived. That trip to the airport wasn’t easy. Just as we were about to check-in, we met someone from Gaura Travel there. I mean, seriously, since when did a travel agency take the effort to come to the airport and ensure that their passengers were being looked after?

They were able to get my mother, who suffers from acute arthritis a wheelchair. And the smile on her face, when my son was wheeling her around the airport…yes, priceless indeed.

They had an incredibly smooth flight back home and settled into their home quickly. Us on the other hand? Well, we got back from the airport to an empty house, filled with sweet memories of my parents.

And a heartfelt thank you to an organization that has made it their business to help families find a way back home. My parents were reunited with the life and the land they love so much.

And for this, I cannot be more grateful to Gaura Travel. I recently read that they reunited 10,000 families through their charter flights – well, I consider myself very luck that ours was one of those too.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gopio.gauratravel.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, covid-19, Delhi, Guara Travel, Home, India, Lockdown, Pandemic, Parents, Victorian

Travel Guide

EGG-Citing EASTER! $500 Off!

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

Well well well, great to see you hop around here. We love the Easter feels and cannot get enough of it! To make your Easter celebration even grander, Gaura Travel is here to give you all the more reasons to travel! You’re looking for some egg-citing deals? Don’t worry! We got you covered.

Up to $500 Off On your next flight with us!

On this special occasion of Easter, we exclusively are giving out up to $500 off on your next flight with us! If you’re thinking about how to claim your special offer, need not worry! Just follow the steps below.

Visit our website – www.gauratravel.com.au.
Fill in the form and your important contact information.
SPIN THE ROULETTE! Once you spin it, you’ll win your prize.
You will receive your code to claim the offer in the next 24 hours.
ENJOY YOUR OFFER!

How can you utilise your code?

We have our flights running from Australia to India, and India to Australia. There are flights available on multiple dates and locations.

Please choose your destination from the Search your Flights.

You’ll be directed to the page showing the details of your flight. Please click on Select Options.

Once you choose your preference, please add to the cart your selected option.

Go to the “My Cart” page, where you will be asked to enter your coupon code to avail the offer. Kindly put in the code and proceed to checkout!

All done! Enjoy your $500 off and happy Easter!!!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gopio.gauratravel.au/flight-deals/

Tags Code, easter, Egg-citing, Guara Travel, Special Offer

Travel Guide

How To Recover Lost Items at Melbourne Airport

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

In this guide we will cover the necessary steps to take if you have lost items at Melbourne Airport and need them recovered.

If you have lost items within T2, T3, T4 or at security checkpoints..

1. Call the number (03) 9297 1805

This is Smartcarte’s lost property number, with this you can inquire about your lost items and find out if anything similar to their description has recently been collected (Operates 5 am – midnight, 7 days a week). You may also call outside these hours and leave a message, someone will get in touch with you during work hours.

Alternatively you can submit this form to provide a description of your lost items: https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Passengers/Help

If you have lost an item in T1

Visit the lost property desk that is located next to carousel 2 on the ground level before security.

Let us take a look at how Indians in Australia celebrate these festivals and the new ways that have been adopted, reflecting the world we live in.

2. Lost property retrieval

After speaking to a staff member, you will be provided with an item number. You will need to cite this number in order to claim your lost property.

Book an appointment with Smartcarte in order to collect your items, 48 hours notice must be provided for them to be ready upon your arrival.

If you have lost property during a flight

If this occurs, it is advised to contact the specific airline directly.

Be advised that items lost at Melbourne Airport will generally be held up to 3 months before they are donated to a local charity.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gopio.gauratravel.au/flight-deals/

Book your tickets from Australia to India to Australia on www.gauratravel.com.au
Gaura Travel – YOUR BEST WAY HOME

Tags Airport, Flight, Lost Items, Melbourne, Retrieval

Travel Guide

Final Boarding Call For December

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 29/09/2015

Omicron classified as a ‘super mild’ variant

With weeks to go for Christmas and the New Year, travellers and families are scrambling to secure last minute tickets to be with their loved ones and explore the wonders of India.

This is not the time to ‘umm’ and ‘aah’. This is the time to grab these seats before someone else does. We have a number of Charter Flights operating in December, so jump on board!

Book with us and travel to India in December and make up for all that lost time.

The December Effect

There is something about December and travelling to India. There is no better way to mark the end of the year than to spend time with loved ones back home, especially when you don’t have to worry about quarantine or applying for exemptions.

Many families in Australia know that this is the time of the year when things wind down. Work, business and the hectic lives we lead…they all pause for a few weeks before kicking off again in the new year.

Just as we did when all borders were closed, this time as well, we have launched a BRAND NEW series of CHARTER FLIGHTS from Australia to India across the following dates:

Friday, 17 December
Sunday, 19 December
Monday, 20 December
Friday, 24 December

Gaura Travel will also directly operate charter flights from India to Australia for the following dates:

Thursday, 16 December
Saturday, 18 December
Sunday, 19 December
Thursday, 23 December

In other words this time of the year becomes the perfect time to fly to India and catch-up with those who have missed you and have hoped for you to be able to make it back home.

And then of course there are those who have had to put their plans of holidaying in India on the backburner. But now even they can bring their great Indian vacation dream back to life.

So hurry, book your seats before it all sells out.

The Omicron effect (or the lack of)

As per South African reports, coronavirus experts in the country are excited to see that the new Omicron variant might be less damaging than the Delta variant.

The Omicron variant is seen to be much milder and is seen to be less lethal in its impact on humans. This means that the world only must cope with a mutant that is showing signs of being far less threatening.

Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister of Australia has already categorically denied the possibility of further lockdowns and has instead urged state leaders to continue on with their reopening plans.

Medical professionals do believe that most Covid vaccines, including the Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca jabs, are designed to protect against variants to a certain degree, similar to how they protected against previous variants (Delta, Alpha etc.)

The message is clear – yes, we have a new variant but increased knowledge about its behaviours and keeping the faith in the vaccination rollout and the overall strategy will help us continue with our travel plans with more reassurance on our safety.

Hey travellers, we have dealt with ‘bigger and badder’ villains more effectively; let us not worry about the sidekicks.

Make this a December to Remember

Flights are a ‘go’ and they will take off as planned. But we hope they do so with you on it!

So, call us and book your seats before we run out of them!

We can guarantee you this: every other person on the plane will be vaccinated and will have just returned a negative COVID test. Is that the safest place to be at right now? You bet!

You can reach our knowledgeable team 24/7. We look forward to talking soon!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gopio.gauratravel.au/flight-deals/

Sources:

https://www.cityam.com/from-covid-curse-to-blessing-coronavirus-experts-relief-grows-as-extremely-mild-omicron-variant-rapidly-exterminates-much-more-deadly-delta-mutation/

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/scott-morrison-says-the-new-omicron-covid-19-variant-won-t-lead-to-more-lockdowns/af25af0d-8f60-44eb-bcf2-2d410d3d04fa

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-10275175/Is-Omicron-variant-dangerous-Covid-19-strains.html

Tags Australia to India, Charter flights for December, covid vaccines, holiday travel plans, India to Australia, travel to India

Travel Guide

National Cabinet Meeting pursues to a suppression strategy

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 29/09/2015

Recently, National Cabinet met to discuss Australia’s Covid-19 retort and concern on new Omicron strain.

According to the update of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly, WHO has declared the Omicron variant first found in Southern Africa on 24 November 2021 and currently six cases have been detected in Australia. All cases found in Australia have mild symptoms or asymptomatic and are in quarantine.

Australia’s Covid-19 vaccine roll out continue to increase and up to date over 39.2 million Covid-19 vaccines doses have been administrated in Australia. National Cabinet noted that majority of susceptible population have received their Covid-19 vaccines and Australia has sufficient supplies of booster shots available in regarding to vaccine roll out program.

Omicron variant and government response

Professor Paul Kelly further advised that Australia is in the initial stage of understanding the new Omicron variant, and at this stage there’s inadequate evidence that vaccines and treatments are less effective against Omicron than other variants. Hence, there’s no clear evidence at this stage that Omicron is a more acute disease.

Therefore, the Commonwealth and states have already acted on medical advice to implement travel restrictions, revised quarantine, and home isolation requirements. The Commonwealth has implemented a temporary travel ban on non-citizens from Southern Africa entering to Australia and Australians return from Southern Africa countries are required to undergo 14 days quarantine under state or territory public health requirements.

Further the Commonwealth has postponed the reopening to international skilled and student visa cohorts and humanitarian visa holders from 1 December up until 15 December as these are temporary precautions to safeguard the national boarders of Australia.

Though, existing plans will continue for Australians, permanent residents, immediate family including parents and other exempt visa holders including travelers through the New Zealand and Singapore safe travel zones and Pacific Labor Scheme participants.

Isn’t it exciting to hear that the National Cabinet agreed that the Commonwealth and the state governments will continue to pursue a suppression strategy, stating the objective is to limit the rate of Omicron invasions into Australia, rather than going back to lock downs?

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gopio.gauratravel.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, commonwealth, covid-19, government response, home quarantine, omicron variant, suppression strategy, temporary precautions, travel restrictions

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PM Blames media amid India Backlash

No word on Commercial Flights

Prime Minister defends the Travel ban

What health measures will be taken?

Up to $500 Off On your next flight with us!

How can you utilise your code?

1. Call the number (03) 9297 1805

If you have lost an item in T1

2. Lost property retrieval

If you have lost property during a flight