Here's your latest starter for ten...

Incredibly, this month marks the 10th anniversary of my first-ever column for this magazine – and in all that time I have never once worried that I would have nothing to say! Being a travel agent or arranger or whatever the latest fad is to call ourselves, we always have something to say. No two days are ever the same at work and, with the exception of city breaks, rarely do we get the same enquiry twice.

Agents Can Flower

It is always a joy for me each time we get a brief for somewhere that requires plenty of research and tracking down extra advice from a specialist tour operator. When a lovely couple came in to see me, because they had heard I had been to South Africa a few times, I was not expecting to be asked for anything I have not arranged lots of times before. I was wrong! They wanted details on the fynbos and flowers of the Northern Cape. I had to admit to really not knowing too much about this area - I have never visited and I can't recall ever being asked about the area either.

But the couple was happy to leave things with me, so I called Rebecca at Africa Collection and the end result was a really wonderful trip for them – and some new South Africa product knowledge for me.

Beautiful Cooks

None of us ladies here in the shop have ever been to the Cook Islands, so Tanya (pictured opposite, second left, at an Essential Detail event) was happy to fly out to this slice of paradise in the South Pacific.

She travelled with Air New Zealand via Los Angeles and was lucky enough to experience the airline's unique ‘sky couch’. This made the very long journey for the group much more comfortable. A big thank you goes to the airline's Linda Marton for allowing the group to experience this wonderful product.

The trip was to visit two islands, Rarotonga and Aitutaki and, upon arriving in Raratonga on a Sunday morning, their first experience was a unique one – they were whisked off to church!

Tanya couldn’t believe how wonderful the singing was – there was no chance of them nodding off, even after the 26-hour journey!

She visited many hotels on the islands, with The Nautilus Resort being her favourite.

Love Islands

She would recommend this for honeymoon couples, due to the private garden suites with plunge pool and beachfront rooms. With two- and three- bedrooms villas it's also a good suggestion for a wedding group.

Tanya's highlight was flying from Raratonga to Aitutaki in a small prop plane, which gave lovely views of the islands and turquoise lagoons. On Aitutaki she stayed at Tamanu Beach Resort. With its 'casual luxury', it's a place to get away from it all.

One country that has remained strong for us is Mexico – I am really looking forward to my trip there in November 2019.

Happy Selling!

After Tanya's visit there we will be recommending the Cook Islands to New Zealandbound clients