Travel wires

Who do you think you are, mate?

Kiwis flying around Australia should carry ID. Peter Dutton — the Homeland Security czar and life president of the Australia-Aotearoa Friendship Society (one of those may not be true) will introduce new legislation tomorrow. From June 2019 all passengers — including true-blue Aussies — on domestic flights will be forced to show identification, such as a passport, driver’s licence or student card when asked. “We have to be realistic about the [terrorist] threat and it’s ridiculous police officers don’t have this ability already,” Dutton said. To be fair, he is not paranoid. There are a lot of people out to get him after recent events in Canberra.

More need to say Ja Ba Moi

“Ja Ba Moi” is the Taiwanese equivalent of “Kia Ora” and the catch-phrase for a push to get New Zealanders to visit the island nation. Taiwan offers natural beauty, traditional culture and food, stunning beaches and ultra-modern infrastructure. Only 10,000 Kiwis have visited since 2012 but the tourism bureau’s regional chief, Trust Lin, is keen for more of us to say “Gidday”, especially with Air New Zealand beginning direct flights in November. “Taiwan is a fascinating country filled with rich, diverse and unique cultures from the 16 officially recognised indigenous tribes to the many Buddhist and Taoist temples,” says Lin. “It may be small but we have everything.”

Land of the Pharoahs — and the tourists

Egypt is back on itineraries, five years after tourists blanked the place after terror attacks. World Expeditions introduced two new trips this month — the 11-day Egypt Adventure and 10-day Egypt Explorer — in line with advice from authorities such as the UK Foreign Office. The trips take in the Giza Pyramids, Valley of the Kings tombs, cruising on a felucca along the Nile and the ancient capital of Memphis. The Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to open by year’s end, giving history and archaeology aficionados another reason to plan a visit.

Walk, don’t eat / eat, don’t walk

Visitors to Florence face $900 fines for eating in the street. The new bylaw is part of an effort to reduce congestion in the medieval city’s narrow byways. In place for four months, the restrictions apply from 12-3pm and 6-10pm, peak eating times, and it’s hoped they will also reduce litter. Mayor Dario Nardella says the measure is “not punitive, but a deterrent. If tourists behave in Florence as they would at home then they will always be welcome, especially if they want to try our gastronomic specialities”. In a cafe, where it costs extra to sit. — travel@nzherald.co.nz