New Destinations Vietnam is becoming a travel spot for New Zealanders, ranking high on the lists of places to go to this year.
With the frantic big-city vibe of Ho Chi Minh City, the culturally infused charm of Hanoi and laid-back beachy cities like Nha Trang, Vietnam really offers something for virtually any type of holiday.
“We know from the customer research and commentary that Kiwi travellers want destinations which can be very dynamic. From poverty to rich, hot to cold, extreme culture shocks with food in addition to being able to immerse themselves in to the daily life,” says Mondo’s Gordon Bayne.
After its accessory for the Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri Nations Rugby Tournament), Flight Centre is predicting Argentina will grab Kiwis’ attention as a new holiday spot, joining Peru as a popular South American place to go for New Zealand travellers.
THE PRICE Is correct
A strong New Zealand dollar are certain to get Kiwis flying further around the world this year. Hawaii and Tahiti are tropical destinations that offer United States dollars, thus making it possible for more spending money and cheaper accommodation rates for brand new Zealanders.
Cheap flights have meant The hawaiian islands are increasingly being considered as a stopover destination in order to Los Angeles and San Francisco, while Flight Centre has reported increased fascination with New York, where there’s a growing trend of travellers staying in self-contained apartments rather than hotels.
Unsurprisingly, the 2012 Olympic Games have put London the main attraction. Coupled with the strong kiwi contrary to the euro, travel companies are predicting a rush of Kiwi travellers towards the already popular destination but they are recommending booking flights early to avoid rising prices and fully booked accommodation, as well as to travel on either side from the sporting event, which will be held from July 27 to August 12.
Less familiar European destinations, particularly Croatia – Dubrovnik and Denmark, result in the list of hot places for Kiwis to go to this year.
Copenhagen, dubbed one of Europe’s coolest green cities and where you can the world’s happiest people, has become on Emirates’ European network, making it easier for Kiwis to travel to.
The Pacific Islands and Thailand remain popular destinations for their affordability. Abhiram Chowdhry, Hotels.com Asia Pacific marketing director, says their latest hotel price index report highlighted how New Zealanders are savvy travellers who seek value for money. “So destinations like Rarotonga, Thailand and Fiji will be popular, as they offer outstanding bang for buck.”
From the BEATEN TRACK
Sri Lanka is enjoying an increase in tourism and its brilliant beaches are certainly one reason to visit. Arugam Bay established fact to surfers for its reputation of having the best surfing waves in Sri Lanka. Crowds flock there between April and October.
Sri Lanka’s other attractions include tea plantations, bird sanctuaries and Unesco World Heritage Sites such as the old town of Galle.
As trade ties between Nz and India are becoming closer, more business travel is frequenting the continent and people are returning for leisure holidays later. It’s also moving up the list of “off the beaten track” destinations.
OLDIES BUT GOODIES
Australia has always been on our radar for attractions and this year is no different.
Melbourne and Sydney remain hot favourites through the ditch, with both featuring on House of Travel’s and Hotels.com’s lists of popular destinations for brand new Zealanders. The cities offer a lot regarding culture and cuisine, in addition to affordability for New Zealanders wanting to travel without flying long haul.
Tasmania is also making waves being an Australian destination to visit, offering wilderness experiences and great food and wine. Hobart’s A$100 million Mona gallery, which opened last year, is also on the must-do list of art-loving tourists.
It is for their affordability that the Pacific Islands are oldies but goodies. Following a disappointing summer, more people are escaping to the islands for relaxation at a realistic price, with many packages from $1500 for seven nights in a very four-star resort.
“Never before have our phones been ringing hotter this week for the likes of Rarotonga, Fiji and Tahiti”, Bayne says. So book holidays for families now to avoid higher prices and sold-out deals during the school holidays.
VOLUNTOURISM
A latest travel trend is usually to visit a country not just to explore the sights and sounds but to help.
“Going to an orphanage to work is becoming more of a memorable moment on someone’s bucket list than simply seeing a monument,” says Bayne.
Countries in Asia offer a good amount of opportunities for this kind of holiday, but, indeed, all across the globe there are places to volunteer while sightseeing.
It’s being a popular option for high-end travellers too, in accordance with luxury hotel booking specialists Mr & Mrs Smith, which says: “Once very happy to be insulated in a cocooning five-star, avoiding immersion in their host country, high-end guests are increasingly seeking more high-impact experiences.” Mr & Mrs Smith expects “more crossover between top-tier travellers and adventurous backpackers”, writes tagza.com.
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