Destination overload
With a little help from the travel experts, Lorna Thornber and Trupti Biradar have picked a few locations to keep on your radar for 2018.
With new routes, increased capacity and travel deals unlike any we’ve seen before, Kiwis are spoiled for choice when it comes to destinations to explore next year.
‘‘Where 10 years ago the average New Zealander might have saved to take one holiday every second year, many will now take two or three, and there aren’t really any places that are out of reach,’’ says Sean Berenson, Flight Centre NZ general manager.
Australia, the South Pacific, North America and the UK will always be popular, but Kiwis are increasingly looking further afield for their holidays, or heading off the beaten track closer to home.
‘‘A cruise to Antarctica is no longer out of the question, neither is a holiday in South America, a tour through Iran, a rafting adventure in Fiji, or an expedition through the Amazon,’’ Berenson says.
Destinations once considered intrepid are no longer: Cuba, Iran, Kenya, Peru, Cambodia and Japan have all experienced significant visitor increases this year. Kiwi travellers are also seeking to explore hidden corners of classic holiday hotspots.
‘‘That might be exploring the Hinterland in Queensland instead of going to the beach, exploring Hawai’i’s outer Islands such as Maui and the Big Island, or visiting less-explored islands in the South Pacific, such as Samoa, Tonga and Niue.’’
With a little help from travel experts, we’ve picked a few destinations to keep on your radar for 2018.
Vietnam
Vietnam has seen a 30 per cent increase in Kiwi visitors since Air New Zealand introduced a direct service to Ho Chi Minh City in 2016 and travel experts predict it will remain a holiday hot-spot.
‘‘Whether it’s a tour of the Mekong, devouring a steaming hot bowl of pho or a cultural back-street tour of Hanoi, this is one destination that has something for every kind of traveller,’’ says Lonely Planet’s Chris Zeiher.
Limestone islands, jungle-covered mountains, powdery white beaches, hill-tribe villages, dynamic cities and a fascinating history and culture are among the other big draws.
Inside tips
Vietnam, and Hoi An in particular, are ideal for the budget traveller, says Michael Pearson, Expedia’s New Zealand managing director.
‘‘Hoi An is a gem of a city – it has a rich history, an enchanting feel and the people are so welcoming.
‘‘On-the-ground costs are important to budget travellers so it’s good news the average nightly rate for accommodation is down 12 per cent to $124 and it’s easy to eat incredible food at decent prices.’’
Taking a street food tour or cooking class is a great way to get a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine and the local way of life, says Dave Fordyce, House of Travel product director. He also recommends heading up to EON51 Heli Bar on the 52nd floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower in Ho Chi Minh for city views. ‘‘Watch the sunset over the city with a cocktail in hand or check out the rising craft beer scene at Pasteur Street Brewing Company."
Japan
The hip new kid on the Asian travel circuit is likely to become even more popular with increased direct flights to Japan. International visitor arrivals are expected to exceed 24 million in 2018 as the country ramps up for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Summer Olympics, Zeiher says.
A land of contrasts, Japan combines sci-fi like cities such as Tokyo and Osaka with numerous opportunities to experience the traditional culture. The volcanic archipelago offers numerous opportunities for hiking in the warmer months, skiing in winter and the ubiquitous hot springs are a must at any time of year.
Inside tips
Zeiher recommends travelling to Japan in the low or shoulder seasons. ‘‘Instead of travelling to Japan to see the cherry blossoms in spring consider visiting in October to witness the incredible autumnal colour explosion across the entire country. The experience is just as, if not more, rewarding."
Many are surprised to learn that Japan offers some amazing beach holiday options, says Fordyce. ‘‘Sunset Beach on Ishigaki Island is a short flight from Tokyo yet a world apart from the bustling metropolis. The white sandy beach and emerald water is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the East China Sea."
Canada
If you think New Zealand’s landscapes are epic, try heading to Canada. The second-largest country on earth, Canada puts on a dazzling natural show. Think soaring mountain peaks, sprawling forests and remote beaches home to the likes of polar and grizzly bears, reindeer, moose, mountain lions and bobcats.
But it’s not just for nature freaks. Frenchified Montreal, cosmopolitan Vancouver, Celtic-influenced Cape Breton Island and the Aboriginal villages of Haida Gwaii each have a unique cultural flavour. Choose from wildlife, endless activities and a thriving local food scene. ‘‘It’s also a gateway into the US, which many travellers choose to take advantage of,’’ adds Pearson.
With Air New Zealand set to increase its capacity from Auckland to Vancouver in 2018, Canada is set to become even more popular with Kiwis.
Inside tip
Luxury train the Rocky Mountaineer passes through some of Western Canada’s most spectacular – and otherwise difficult to access – scenery.
Philippines
With thousands of idyllic islands and world-class surfing and diving, it’s a wonder that the Philippines has flown under the tourist radar for so long. More Kiwis look set to discover it though, with Philippines Airlines launching a new direct route to Manila.
Palawan, which reputedly inspired Alex Garland’s The Beach, is already garnering a lot of attention from Kiwis – searches on Expedia are up by almost 50 per cent year-on-year. Other