Winter Vacation? Start Planning Now!

Ah, summertime, my favorite season of the year.

Summer means long lazy days, barbeque's, hanging out at the beach, swimming in the water, flip flops, warm nights and a vacation.

Many people actually plan their summer vacations in the midst of the winter. Not only can the idea of a trip cheer you up on those cold, dark days of winter, it also makes a lot of sense financially and based on the best availability. In fact, to get the best of everything (rates, seats, hotel rooms, entertainment tickets, cruises, etc.), it is recommended to book international trips about six months in advance.

In reverse of summer vacations, as we are approaching the month of July, it's time to start planning your winter vacation. This means that somewhere in between picnics and hanging out at the beach this summer, it's a great idea to get started planning that winter vacation.

And when we are in the midst of the cold, dark winter days, heading someplace warm is just what the body and mind need.

Call a Travel Agent today to get started planning your winter getaway. Some great suggested destinations include Fiji, Tahiti, basically anywhere in the South Pacific as it's their summertime during our winter season. Bring summer to you this winter!

Airline Baggage Fees

It seems that everyone is feeling the effects of the record breaking fuel prices in some way or another. For most of us, it’s when we go to the gas station or buy food. Every time I fill up my car, the prices are higher than the time before and a few items at the grocery store breaks the bank. Because of this, I’ve been trying different methods to use less gas, be more fuel efficient and I decided to plant a garden.

This also means that companies using large quantities of fuel, such as airlines, are finding ways to either reduce their consumption through alternative fuel research and/or by charging for what used to be included in all flights such as drinks and snacks. They are looking for any way to cover the costs.

Unfortunately this means higher airfares and more fees for passengers. Many airlines have started charging fees for all checked bags, including the first one. I have a feeling that all domestic airlines will be charging these fees soon if gas prices don’t start going down soon.

For a complete list of which airlines are charging fees for checked bags, speciality seating and snacks, check out this link http://rickseaney.com/domestic-airline-fee-chart/ or contact your airline.

Even with the high fuel costs, there are incredible deals for all international travel. Airlines still want their planes full and look at the bottom dollar. To find out about the best prices and the inside, up-to-date scoop, contact your Travel Agent for all your travel needs.

Pack Light, Travel Light New Baggage Policies

With more and more airlines charging fees for checked bags these days, many travelers are trying to find ways to avoid checking bags all together.

Packing light has many advantages, besides just avoiding airline fees. For example, you don't have to stand around for an hour waiting for your bags to show up on the baggage carrousel upon arrival at your destination and there's no chance that your bags will be lost or damaged en route. It's also easier to get through busy airports and train stations with fewer and smaller bags, and it makes it simple to take public transportation, rather than relying on high costs taxis and limos.

Here are some tips and suggestions for packing light, and fitting all your travel luxuries into one easy, carry-on bag.

• Make a Packing List base on items and clothing that you know you'll need on your trip and stick to it! Try to avoid bringing items that you think you might need.



• Wear layered clothing when you travel, that stretches and breathes giving you more room in your bag



• Pack wrinkle-free clothing as much as possible



• Rolling your clothes instead of laying them flat in the bag will provide more space



• Select one or two color scheme. Sometimes it's a good idea to add a few items with dark patterns, such as plaids as they help hide wrinkles, stains and dirt



• Reversible clothing, especially tops, are great choices since they effectively double your clothing choices.



• Pack clothing that will dry quickly as you may need to wash some items during your trip



• Consider using a dual-purpose bag (suitcase/backpack combined) if you're going to be doing a lot of walking



• Remember the TSA 3-1-1 Carry-On Liquid Rules:



• Any liquid or gel packed in your carry-on bag must fit in a container that is a maximum of 3 ounces



• 1 Quart: Containers carrying your liquids and gels must be packed in a clear, plastic bag that is no larger than 1 quart and has to be able to close completely



• 1 Person: Every person is allowed to bring one clear, quart-size bag of properly sized containers noted above. Many stores have increase their supply of toiletries that meet the TSA guidelines



• To simplify things for yourself, consider buying toiletries such as shampoo and toothpaste during your trip

For more information about up-to-date baggage policies and fees, check with your airline as it may change often. To book your next trip-of-a-lifetime, contact your experienced Travel Agent for travel to the South Pacific including Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, as well as Hawaii and Europe.

"If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light."
Cesare Pavese

Cruising with a Theme

Have you ever thought about taking a vacation that incorporates your special interest or hobby?














Cruise lines are making it easy with more specialty and theme cruises being added every year! That's right, most cruise lines including Carnival, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Costa and Celebrity all offer some type of specialty or theme cruises.

These cruises offer the opportunity to indulge in a favorite hobby or increase your knowledge of a wide variety of subjects, from gourmet cuisine and fine wine to sports or music.

Programs may include special menus, guest speakers, performances by the noted entertainers, theme-related shore excursions and the chance to interact with leading figures in a particular field.

Some passengers might prefer to entertain themselves while at sea, but many are welcoming the growing thematic trend. Special-interest programs give passengers the opportunity to look at the destination from a different perspective.

There are a variety options to chose from, including:

Wine and Food Festival
Spotlight on Chocolate
Baseball Greats
Antiques Roadshow
Elvis Cruise
The Rock Boat (Rock 'n Roll Festival at Sea)
Gotta Dance Cruises
Mind, Body and Spirit Cruise
Grow Younger, Live Longer with Deepak Chopra
Christmas Markets Cruise

Embarking on a themed cruise is a great way to meet like-minded individuals and find time for your interets that you may not have time for at home. Start planning your cruise today by calling an Expert Cruise Agent. An agent is a great way to answer all your questions, get the inside scoop and the best way to find the lowest price. Cruise with your hobbies today!

Doing something you Love...

Recently joining The Travel Team in Seattle, WA has been one of the best moves of my life. I've traveled fairly far and away, met incredible individuals, jumped off cliffs and lived in a bus. Many people have varying opionions on the phrase, "Find something you love to do and find a way to make a living doing it." One opinion is not to mix work with pleasure. That's what the owner of the company I left to work here told me on my way out the door after a mere month and a half on the job. I am taking the phrase literally. Anyone who has traveled knows what I'm talking about. How can I incorporate this life passion into making some cash.

Trust yourself when your intuition says you need to hit the road and travel. Work can wait. Life will not. Traveling IS life. That happened to me as I was standing in the cold office of my previous employer, "You need to find a job in the travel industry or travel." I've had this thought since I was nineteen and here it is again, ten years later. This time, I've chosen the work part.

Only a month into my former job, I found myself on trusty old craigslist looking for something different. Third listing down in a job category I normally don't check...Travel Assistant and Marketing Manager position in Seattle. Brilliant!

Here I am almost two months into the job and I don't even flinch when I have to get up for work. I look forward to it.

See how The Travel Team can change your life with an adventure to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific or on a Luxurious Cruise. No time like the present my friend!

Cruise in Style

As I was cutting out paper snowflakes last night for an upcoming holiday party, it dawned on me…winter has arrived and with that comes dry skin, cold feet and layers of clothing that do nothing for ones figure, male or female.

Ditch those layers, start lathering on the sunscreen, dig out those flip flops, your heading on a cruise. Cruising is becoming a lifestyle. When you walk onto the ship you “check-out” for the rest of the journey. Never mind packing and repacking your belongings as you move from destination to destination, leave your bed unmade, your toothbrush on the sink and tour the many towns you will visit along the way. Your meals are usually included and the workout room is around the corner. It’s a floating city folks with more to do in one day than most of us can think of accomplishing in a week. No cars to get into, no traffic to deal with. Just kick back and relax. Take part in the activities offered or don’t. It’s your choice.

There are cruises available that take you all OVER the world. Not just the Caribbean, around Hawaii or up to Alaska, but Australia, China, Africa even Tahiti. The right cruise for your pocket book, length of journey, desired destinations, style of onboard activities and weather full of sunshine is there for you.

If you have a bigger pocket of Benjamin Franklin’s and you’re thinking of a more private cruise adventure, you’re in luck. The Titantic days are not long forgotten. Cruise lines are now offering private sun decks, V.I.P. pools and escorted tours at land ports away from the crowds. You can find luxury in this personalized arena if you are willing to pay. It takes you away from the masses and into seclusion, one of the reasons many of us travel.

There are many reasons to take a cruise. Here are just a few:

· Experience many diverse cultures without taking heaps of cramped flights
· Luxury of doing everything or nothing at all
· Never seeing a price on the restaurant menu
· Everyone in the group will find something to do whether they want to or not

Check out these cruise deals that will knock your socks off! You can search by cruise line or by destination. It's up to you!

Remember, the world is 2/3 water and you really haven’t seen the earth until you step on board the ship deck. Welcome aboard!

Tramping New Zealand

Looking to add some adventure - and exercise - to your vacation? Consider going tramping (New Zealand for hiking) - a wonderful way to see this great county’s scenic highlights.

The “Great Walks” are the most well-known and traveled treks, as they cross through some of the country’s best scenery. These 9 tracks are operated by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, offering higher standards of trails and lodging than you might find along other tracks in New Zealand. Consider adding one (or more!) of these treks to your vacation:

• Lake Waikaremoana Track (3-4 days through Hawke’s Bay region)
  
• Tongariro Northern Circuit (3-4 days through the North Island’s volcanic region)
  
• Whanganui Journey (5-day canoe trip in the North Island’s southwest)


• Abel Tasman Coast Track (3-5 days through Abel Tasman National Park)
  
• Heaphy Track (4-6 days through Kahurangi National Park along the South Island’s west coast)


• Routeburn Track (3 days through Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks)


• Mildford Track (4 days from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound)


• Kepler Track (3-4 days through Fiordland National Park)


• Rakiura Track (3 days through Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island)

Rather than driving to Milford Sound, wouldn’t it be much more exhilarating to tramp through Fiordland National Park? Or, pretend to be Frodo as you journey through Tongariro National Park (Mt. Doom in Lord of the Rings).

Don’t be intimidated: there are treks for all abilities, ages, and fitness levels. So, if you have a few more days off, think about adding some tramping to your New Zealand vacation. Check out our Tramping New Zealand package, combining city sightseeing with some guided day-tramps in Tongariro and Marlborough.

Experience the Professional Travel Agent

The Travel Agent is making a welcomed reappearance in the travel industry. Stop spending hours online searching and comparing and trying to remember where you saw what, when. Enjoy your time outside with your dog or chat with a friend. Call a travel agent, talk with her for a few minutes and let her take it from there. How much easier can planning a trip be?

These individuals are specialized in your destination of choice and can get you great airfare and a trip you’ll wish you had taken sooner. They’ll book your accommodations, tours, transfers, flights; give you suggestions…heck they can even get a dozen roses sent to your room before you arrive, all with one phone call.

Agents will work within your budget, share testimonials from other travelers and be more than happy to discuss any concerns you may have. They are professional and have a lot of years under their belt to get you exactly what you want with little effort on your part.

Here are a couple of testimonials from travelers who have booked through an agent:

"Everything about our trip was perfect."

"I would also recommend you to anyone in need of a travel agent - you're the best!"

"All your arrangements were flawless!"

"It's so much nicer to have a friendly, knowledgeable

person to guide me through the process."

"...the best airfare and special attention..."

Bring the personal touch back in your life. Hear the voice of a helpful professional whom you can communicate directly what you desire to experience during your vacation. No surprises, just the simple luxury of having a flawless itinerary and the knowledge that you can call the agent during your trip to tell them how great everything is going or if you need help working out a glitch.

When it’s all said and done, your time is worth a lot – take those hours spent on the internet and spend them doing something you desire to do like bake some cookies or read a book.

The Professional Travel Agent is here for you every moment of your adventure (of course during business hours because they want to go home and read a book too!).

Australian Wine Tour

The Australian Wine Industry is the fourth largest exporter of wine in the world. They also consume as much as they export – 400,000,000 liters per year. They must of heard that red wine is full of anti-oxidants and being the health conscious bunch they are, what other reason would an Aussie need?

If you find yourself on a walkabout in the beautiful country, your palate will be delighted with wine made from grapes grown in all seven regions: Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory – who could get bored? See the Hunter Country Valley website for some interesting artistic visuals.

As an oenophiliac (guru of wine) you can taste your way across the continent with escorted tours (so you don’t have to drive) or with a sober friend willing to go through the adventure wineless…and behind the wheel on the right side of the car, driving on the left side of the road with the determination not to get stuck going around in circles in the Australian round-about…entertaining at least. I say sign up for an escorted tour.

Want to take a wine tasting class? I happened to meet an Australian mate in Port Macquarie who was taking a college course in just that…wine tasting. The class went through all components of the ritual: the swirling, the smelling, the swishing and the spitting! I’m sure one could find a day course along the journey to shed some light on the whole process. I found it enlightening and educational - I wasn't so aware of how the tongue is divided into "flavor zones" before the class. Plus, I feel more comfortable ordering a simple bottle of wine at a restaurant when they show up at the table, pour a bit of wine in your glass and stare at you as you wiggle in your seat wondering what the heck you’re supposed to do. You’ll know your way around the swirling, smelling, and swishing (but hopefully not spitting at the table) ritual without embarrassment.

One of the better sites out there to help you with your Australian Wine Adventure is Wine Region Tours. It offers up a lot of useful information including wine tour guides specific to each region in PDF form to get your mouth watering and your trip planning phase in gear.

If you have traveled through Australia visiting Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, etc. already, why not pop over for a relaxing tour of the wine country taking you out of the city and into the hills. As I heard from an ATT Australian/New Zealand Tour Guide, “Life’s too short to make bad wine.”

What are you waiting for? It’s well worth the journey for an experience never to be repeated. Check out our great Australia and New Zealand Wine Tour.

Fully Escorted Coach Tours of New Zealand

Escorted Tours are a great way to see other countries – you can focus all your time and energy on seeing the sights, rather than driving, booking accommodations, and reading guidebooks. With our wide selection of escorted coach tours, your trip to New Zealand will be full of memories, while completely free of hassle and worry. (Let your tour guide do the work for you; you’re on vacation!)

New Zealand has some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and intriguing cultural experiences. Plus, with your tour guide there to give advice, you’ll have the inside scoop on what to see, where to eat, and where to shop.

Riding in the coach, you’ll have informative commentary to accompany your sightseeing. You’ll stay in some of New Zealand’s finest hotels. And, you’ll meet some truly fascinating people.

Please take some time to browse some of our Fully Escorted Coach Tours of New Zealand. We have hundreds of other escorted tours not listed on our website so call a Travel Team agent to find out more.

Air Tahiti Nui

Tahiti is one of the world’s top tropical destinations; temperatures are always in the 80s. Located directly south of Hawaii, half-way between Los Angeles and New Zealand, it’s not that far away, either.

If you’re planning a trip to the South Pacific, think about taking the “boutique carrier”: Air Tahiti Nui. Constantly rated one of the world’s best airlines, a flight on Air Tahiti Nui is an experience in itself.

1st class is a treat: Small and quiet, you’ll enjoy a fully-reclining bed with a duvet (and your own pajamas!). Coach is also very comfortable, with double armrests, extra legroom, and in-seat video monitors.

The flight attendants are some of the industry’s best, winning awards for best cabin staff. Serving travelers delicious French cuisine while dressed in traditional Tahitian clothes, you will feel like you’re already in Tahiti.

Once you land in Papeete, either stay in a hotel on Tahiti, or board another Air Tahiti Nui flight to another island: It’s a 45 minute flight to Bora Bora, while Moorea is only 7 minutes away!

With daily service from LAX, Tahiti is not as far away as it seems. And, don’t forget, travel on Air Tahiti Nui to Sydney or Auckland, and you can have a free stop in Tahiti. Check out some of our great Tahiti packages, many that include a flight on Air Tahiti Nui. French Polynesia is calling!

Some Concerns about User-Generated Websites

You’ve done some research on travel review website (like tripadvisor.com and cruisecritic.com), right? They’re great resources for independent travelers who are trying to decide what destinations to visit, where to stay, which cruises to sail, or where to eat.

But, haven’t you noticed how some hotels (or cruises, or restaurants, etc.) can have several great reviews . . . and then one absolutely horrid report? You probably write off the one bad review and go with what the majority wrote, but it still leaves some doubts, doesn’t it?

Then, there are the reviews that are too good to be true: Is that 3-star hotel on Waikiki Beach really the best hotel in the world??

Lots of these reviews can simply be written off to the fact that people like to exaggerate. However, an even more disturbing thought is that the reviews aren’t even written by customers!

Earlier this year, the famous guidebook author, Arthur Frommer, wrote an article for the San Francisco Chronicle: Why online travel buzz might be bogus. He discusses the emerging PR tactic called “Buzz Marketing.” Basically, companies within the travel industry are paying people to post reviews on user-generated websites (including tripadvisor.com, etc.) – positive reviews about the company, negative reviews about the competitor.

Maybe that’s why Steve Kaufer, the founder of tripadvisor.com, still uses a travel agent for his own trips.

User-generated websites are great to get the ideas flowing. But, follow that up with a call to your travel agent – someone who can give you an unbiased opinion. We at the Travel Team like to think we’ve got a lot of unique and useful knowledge to offer. Why don’t you check out our website? Then, give us a call for some vacation advice, based on our own travels. The Travel Team Agents are your Australia and New Zealand Experts.

Rotorua

If you’re traveling to New Zealand, make sure to hit-up the “thermal wonderland” – Rotorua, 3 hours south of Auckland. Built over a geothermal hot spot, Rotorua is a city constantly erupting with steam, hot water, and mud.

Some of the must-see highlights of Rotorua include:

• One of the Thermal Parks –Te Puia or Wkakarewarewa Thermal Village
  
• Skyline Skyrides – ride a gondola up Mt. Ngongotaha for great views of the area


• Rainbow and Fairy Springs – New Zealand wildlife park


• The Agrodome – a park/museum about rural life in New Zealand (Don’t miss the sheep show!)
  
• Attend a traditional Maori Hangi (feast)

Rotorua is right on the shores of Lake Rotorua, while several other lakes are in the surrounding areas. Spend a day on the water, whether that’s trout fishing, boating, or relaxing on the shore. Spend another day hiking or mountain biking in the nearby Whakarewarewa forest or traveling up north to the sunny Bay of Plenty.

Learn more about Rotorua by visiting our website. Then, view some of our New Zealand Packages and Tours that include a stop in Rotorua.

Australia and New Zealand Tours

Planning to travel those 14 hours across the Pacific? Rather than just visiting one country, why not take some extra time off from work and hit up both Australia and New Zealand in one vacation?

Many airlines offer very affordable (sometimes, even complimentary) stopovers, allowing travelers to easily create multi-city itineraries. Consider the following schedule: Fly from the USA to Sydney, travel around Australia for 2 weeks, return to Sydney to fly to Auckland, tour New Zealand for another 2 weeks before flying home to the USA. Many of our clients have done the same (or very similar) itineraries for their own vacations to the South Pacific.

The options are endless:

• Rather than return to Sydney after touring Australia, consider flying to Auckland from Brisbane
  
• Instead of flying, there are frequent cruises between Sydney and Auckland
  
• Maybe add another stopover onto your trip: Fiji
  
• Travel from the USA to New Zealand before traveling on to Australia

The list goes on and on! View some samples of our Australia and New Zealand tours. Then, call an expert Travel Team agent for more travel ideas and to help with all the logistics.

Air New Zealand

Since many of our customers fly to Australasia via Air New Zealand, we decided it would be nice to provide a little overview of that popular airline:

Based in Auckland, Air New Zealand is NZ's official carrier. Servicing the major destinations in New Zealand, it can make a lot of sense for tourists to travel via air within New Zealand. Please note that in addition to the major cities of Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, Air New Zealand also services the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Dunedin, and Invercargill, among others. (For more information on domestic travel in New Zealand, see our previous post.)

As a Star Alliance member, Air New Zealand is also a well-respected international carrier. Not only does the airline fly into the major cities of Australia and Asia; it also offers non-stop flights to and from San Francisco and Los Angeles, CA, as well as Honolulu. From Los Angeles, travelers can fly to London, UK, where they can make connections to other European cities.

Currently, Air New Zealand offers 4 classes on its airplanes. Business Premier is the highest level of service, offering its passengers fully lie-flat beds. Immediately below is Business Class, followed by Pacific Premium Economy. This new Premium Economy class has more legroom, larger seats, and greater seat reclines than Economy Class. A major perk of flying Air New Zealand is the recently instated on-demand entertainment, available to all classes of service on roundtrip flights from California, USA to Auckland, NZ.

Now that you know a bit more about New Zealand's national carrier, consider flying Air New Zealand for your next trip to Australasia. You won't be disappointed! Visit our website to view some of our great airfares on Air New Zealand.

The Blue Mountains

Have you noticed that almost any travel package of Sydney, Australia includes (at least) a day in the Blue Mountains? Unfortunately, most Americans do not know much about Sydney’s nearby natural neighbors. So, we thought we should provide a short overview of the UNESCO World Heritage Area, the Blue Mountains . . . and why it’s one of Australia’s “must sees”!

The Blue Mountains offer some of the most spectacular scenery on the Australian continent. Its 1 million hectares contain rainforest, canyons, forests, and waterfalls, as well as a wide array of animals and birds. The area is named after the mist created by eucalyptus tree oil which hangs in the air.

The most popular sight in the Blue Mountains is The Three Sisters: A three-point rock formation. Learn about the legend of the Three Sisters, here. Travelers should also try to visit the impressive Kanangra Falls and Jenolan Caves.

Home to some of Australia's best hiking trails, the Blue Mountains offer many exploring options for all hiking levels, from the casual walker to the more adventurous expert. Tromp through the canyons, up the impressive peaks, past the many waterfalls, and through remote caves. Many companies offer guided tours.

There are several golf courses throughout the area, while several of the villages have art galleries and museums on various topics. And, don't forget the wonderful Bed and Breakfasts and nature resorts - you'll feel on vacation from your vacation!

If you plan to visit the Land Downunder during the winter (June, July, August), make sure you attend the Blue Mountains’ Yulefest. Several hotels and restaurants celebrate with log fires, decorations, caroling, visits from Santa, and meals of turkey, ham, puddings, and mulled wine. Now that’s really “Christmas in July”!

The Blue Mountains are easily accessible for the independent traveler, either by car, bus, or Inter-City train from Sydney. (Actually, many of the Australians that live in villages of the Blue Mountains commute about an hour to Sydney for work.) So, there is no excuse not to go – even for just a day! Learn more about The Blue Mountains, and then contact one of our great agents at Travel Team to book your travels to Australia.

Facts on the Great Barrier Reef

Recently, the Great Barrier Reef was voted best destination by the World Travel and Tourism Council. So, what makes this place so special?

Established as a park in 1975, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest marine protected area in the world at almost 348,700 square kilometers. Found off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, 4,000 species of mollusks, and 500 species of seaweed, as well as several species of birds, sea snakes and sea turtles.

What exactly is a coral reef? It is made up of both dead and living coral, located just below the water’s surface. Colorful coral is the living part of the reef, while white coral is dead. The Great Barrier Reef is actually comprised of roughly 2,800 individual reefs; it is not a single, continuous barrier.

Located north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the Great Barrier Reef has beautiful temperatures all year long. However, it is largely agreed that the best time to dive is October through December, while January through March can often be quite rainy.

The Great Barrier Reef is a snorkeling and scuba diving adventure park! Popular diving spots include some of the many shipwrecks found within the Reef. Additionally, the Reef is breeding grounds for humpback whales.

Sounds exciting, right? Well, there’s no time better than the present to start planning your vacation to “The World’s Best Destination!” View packages to Australia, many which include an unforgettable trip to the Great Barrier Reef.

Cheap Airfares in New Zealand

Often a highly underrated way to travel, vacationers can gain a lot from learning about the possibilities of domestic airfare. If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, we urge you think about booking some domestic Air New Zealand flights to make the most out of your trip.

Cheap airfares in New Zealand are not hard to come by. Quite often, any one-way flight within New Zealand costs less than $100 USD. With cheap airfares like this, wouldn’t you rather spend more time in the places you want to be than riding in a bus or driving in a car, day after day?

If your trip to New Zealand is crunched for time, may we make some itinerary suggestions? Rather than driving from Auckland to Rotorua and then all the way down to Wellington, crossing over on a ferry, and continuing down to Christchurch…why not simply take a flight from Rotorua to Christchurch? Then, you have more days to see the sights on the South Island.

Conversely, if you are more interested in seeing the Bay of Islands, Lake Taupo, and the vineyards on the North Island, book a flight from Wellington to Queenstown, so you can still see that gorgeous city, Milford Sound, and maybe even Mt. Cook National Park.

With cheap domestic flights within New Zealand, your vacation possibilities are endless! Contact us for more information on Cheap Airfares in New Zealand and further travel advice.

Last Minute Cruise Deals to Australia

While it’s getting harder and harder to find last-minute cruise deals, especially to the most popular cruise destinations – the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe – there are still areas of the world where great cruise deals can be found. One such example is in the South Pacific.

Though more and more travelers are heading to the Land Downunder for their vacations, few realize the grand possibilities of cruising Australia. With the fabulous coastal cities of Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, plus the amazing Great Barrier Reef, Australia is an ideal cruise destination.

Most Australian cruises take place during the summer months (winter in the northern hemisphere), with itineraries ranging anywhere from 4-40 days. While Sydney is the most popular departure city, most cruises travel along the Pacific Coast of Australia, allowing passengers to disembark at Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Brisbane, Cairns, and Port Douglas for diving adventures in the Great Barrier Reef.

While you have traveled so far, you might as well see New Zealand while you are there! The beauty of cruising is how easy and affordable it is to see both great nations of the South Pacific. See Auckland, the “City of Sails”, Wellington, New Zealand wine country, and Milford Sound. What a wonderful voyage!

Visit our website to view the various cruise itineraries in the South Pacific and find great Last Minute Cruise Deals to Australia! Additionally, consider a cruise in combination with a land package, for an up-close look at Australia’s famous Outback.

Lake Taupo

So, you’re planning a trip to New Zealand? You might have heard about Lake Taupo (and its breathtaking scenery), but you don’t know much about it, what to do there, or if you can afford it! If so, then let us detail why no trip to New Zealand would be complete without a stop at the beautiful Lake Taupo.

First, a geography lesson: Lake Taupo is the large lake, situated in the very center of New Zealand’s North Island. Its gorgeous scenery is a result of the surrounding Taupo Volcanic Zone—26,500 years ago, a violent eruption caused the surrounding land to collapse, creating the Lake Taupo basin. Journey to the Lake Taupo region, and you’ll be encircled by stunning views of the lake, nearby mountains (including Mt. Ngauruhoe, which played the role of “Mt. Doom” in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy), and, of course, the volcanoes.

But besides the scenery, why should you visit Lake Taupo? Let us just list out some of the many incredible activities you can do there: relax in the thermal Taupo Hot Springs, kayak past ancient Maori rock carvings, adventure in a Huka Jet, raft on the Tongararo River, bungy jump, sky dive (did we mention, New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world?), snowboard, skiing, golf, sail, hike in Tongararo National Park, or go fly fishing on the lake.

There is obviously plenty of reason to visit, so where should you stay when you get there? By far, the most well-known is the Lake Taupo Lodge—an elegant lodge with luxury suites and 4-course dinners, for premium comfort and relaxation in New Zealand. However, if luxury lodges don’t fit into your budget, don’t despair! Lake Taupo has hundreds of different accommodations, from budget hostels to 3-star hotels, and from local homes available for rent to fishing lodges, for the true fishing enthusiast.

Whatever your travel needs and desires, Lake Taupo is the vacation destination for everyone! View some of our packages to Lake Taupo, in the North Island of New Zealand. Then, call one of our agents to book your vacation. Happy travels!

Australia Tours

A good way to see the sights Downunder is to travel in the comfort and ease of a tour.

No longer do you have to worry about confirming hotel reservations, getting lost driving in an unfamiliar country, or - most importantly - missing any of the top attractions. When you travel with a tour, your vacation truly becomes a vacation. Sit back and relax as your tour operator takes the wheel, letting you focus on the reasons you traveled Downunder in the first place: relaxation and impressive sightseeing! (And don’t forget the interesting commentary you’ll receive along the way!)

So, don’t spend your vacation checking into hotels, lugging your bags everywhere, or getting lost in the Outback. Instead, ensure your vacation will be filled with great memories when you travel in the ease of a tour.

Check out some of our many Australia tours and discover how easy it can be to go on vacation!

Fly to Australia

With so many vacation destinations, how can you ever choose? May we suggest a vacation you will never forget—a trip to the land Downunder, Australia.

Hop on the world-renowned Qantas airlines and wake up the next morning in the exciting metropolis of Sydney, Australia. Climb the Sydney Bridge, cruise the harbor, go shopping, eat out at one of Sydney’s famous restaurants, and take-in a performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Day-trip to the Blue Mountains before you catch a flight Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast. Relax on the beaches or surf the waves. Travel through the rainforest and take a trip up to Cairns where you can snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef

Or head south to the fashion capital of Australia, Melbourne. Not your style? Then head to the Outback for a true vacation adventure. Speed along the roads in a 4WD, visit Ayers Rock, and try to catch a glimpse of some of Australia’s native wildlife.

In a continent the size of the United States, there’s plenty to do for each unique interest. Visit our website to view some of our many packages and tours of Australia, and while you’re there, take a peak at our discounted airfares and see how reasonable it is to fly to Australia.

Cruise Suites

Have you been saving up to go on a cruise, maybe for your honeymoon, an anniversary, a girls' week away, or a family vacation? Make sure your cruise vacation lives up to your expectations by booking a suite.

Let’s be honest: it’s hard to justify going on a cruise if you book a cabin. Not only are they the smallest rooms on the ship (some even have bunk beds to maximize space), but their lack of windows will require you to go out to the deck to see the passing scenery—and rarely will you find an empty chair. Oceanview cabins, though the name sounds quite lovely, is not usually much more than an inside cabin, with a single window or porthole.

On the other hand, suites are the way to truly enjoy your vacation on the seas. Ranging from standard suites to luxury and even penthouse, at the minimum, suites are 50% larger than cabins and come with added amenities, some of which include: floor to ceiling windows, whirlpool bath and shower, a mini-bar and refrigerator, and either a queen bed and sofa or 2 twin beds and sofa.

Most importantly, suites include a sitting area and a private verandah for lounging and dining. (If you’re traveling with a large group, consider booking a least one suite, so your party can enjoy the benefits of the private verandah.)

Going on a cruise can be the vacation of a lifetime—ensure it becomes one by booking a suite.

View some of our many discounted cruise suites and start planning your cruise vacation, today.

Luxury Cruise Packages

If you have ever sailed on a large cruise line before, been stuck in the bowels of a ship in a room smaller than your bedroom closet, or been disappointed in the quality of service or lack of attention to detail on your cruise experience, take heart--a cruise experience like no other awaits you...and will leave you vowing never to return to the old way of cruising.

Imagine such impeccable attention to detail, where truffles are left on your pillow and the blackjack dealer takes the time to learn your name. Imagine a menu catered to your dietary desires and then prepared by world class chefs. Imagine a ship with all suites and balconies that over look the incredible sea-scape so that you are never left feeling like you are trapped in a cracker box but rather King and Queen of the Seas. Imagine the luxury and quality of some of the world's most lavish hotels, but with the intimacy of personalized service coupled with the warmth of feeling like home. Imagine a six-star cruising experience that leaves you wanting to stay longer and wishing that the end hadn't come so soon.

Stop cursing the day you bought the inside cabin on your first cruise that made you say you'd never try cruising again. Instead, try one of our Luxury Cruise Packages where the touch of fine linen, the scent of fresh flowers, and the texture and taste of fine wine stirs your inner emotions and deepens your enjoyment of life.

First Class Airfares to Australia

Dom Pérignon, Hermès hand lotion, personal video screens, reclining leather seats . . . we're not in coach class anymore, Toto.

Fly first class airfares to Australia and know the luxury that you've been missing! Flying first is all about arriving in better shape: It is the ultimate way to survive the 14 hour grueling flight from Los Angeles to Sydney.

The luxury of first class is space, privacy, and a sleeper seat that gives the chance of a proper night's rest. Seats are big and comfy front-of-the-plane recliners, which make it possible for even the tallest person to stretch their legs out. The sleeper seat is the best antidote for jet lag with seat pitch typically around 60 to 62 inches and a 70-degree angle of recline, which enables you to stretch out almost horizontally across five windows. The food is served on china with tablecloths, real glasses, and a full meal is presented in courses. Drinks, including fine wines, champagne and cognac are complimentary as well. First-class passengers' luggage is given special handling and is always first off the plane. There's even extra space designated for their on-board luggage - far more than coach passengers are permitted to carry on. Refreshments, newspapers, and Internet connections are available. First-class passengers may wait for their flights in a separate, often luxurious, area of the airport called a club or lounge, and on arrival in Australia, they often are privilege to an exclusive arrivals' lounge where first class clients can have breakfast, shower and change, make calls, get a suit pressed and generally get their act together after they land.

There is still nothing that can match the serene and luxurious atmosphere of traveling First Class.

Business Class to Europe

Why fly business class to Europe?

Tired of flying economy? Sick of peanuts and terrible in-flight movies? Desperate for a little legroom? Then maybe it's time you moved up to Business Class.

If your main concern is a cheap airfare you can stop reading right now. The cheapest airfares are based on flying Economy or "Coach" Class ­ the class of the masses. Sure, you'll save money by booking Economy but if your flight is over two hours long, the comfort factor could end up being more important than the fare. After all, Economy Class is just a seat on an airplane. You'll get from Point A to Point B but comfort and convenience? Forget it!

OK, so you decide to give it a try. Aside from paying more, what sort of goodies await you? Well, first of all, the seats are wider and they recline further, which is a big plus on long flights. Most airlines also equip their Business Class seats with connections for your laptop and other electronics. Some even have a DVD facility so you can enjoy your choice of movie. The overhead lighting is also better in Business and there's more room for your carry-on baggage. And the food? It's more than peanuts! Many flights of over three hours feature full meals. On Lufthansa Airlines, Business Class meals are created by well-known European chefs and feature a wide range of starters, salads, side dishes and desserts.!

Business Class passengers also get perks at the airport, before and after the flight. There are often separate check-in desks for Business passengers, and checked luggage is given priority handling. Separate security lines reduce that inevitable boarding wait. While you're waiting for your flight to be called you may even be offered access to the airline's private lounge, where the seating is comfortable, the food is often free and there's an open bar.

So forget the peanuts and move up to Business Class. If you've never tried it before you're going to find yourself in a much more pleasant world!

Next time you experience flying frustration or airport agony, don't complain to Laura Quarantiello. You probably haven't read her book "Air-Ways: The Insider's Guide to Air Travel."

Sydney Tour Packages

Random Facts about Sydney:

Fact 1: For a bird's-eye view of Sydney, whiz to the top of AMP Centrepoint Tower, recognized as having the southern hemisphere's most lofty observation deck and being Sydney's tallest building. Set 1000 feet above the city, the tower's viewing deck and restaurants offer panoramic views and an incredible vista of the city's environs.
Fact 2: Widely hailed as the country's premiere newspaper, the esteemed Sydney Morning Herald is also the oldest daily publication south of the equator. It's been informing and educating the Aussie populace since 1831.
Fact 3: To combat wear and counterfeiting, Australia's government introduced plastic money in the late '80s. And not credit cards, either. The actual cash is created from a polymer, making it hard to duplicate. In addition, the money lasts four times as long as paper and can be recycled when it's exhausted its usefulness.
Fact 4: The impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge has been a prominent city landmark since its completion in 1932. The edifice accommodates traffic from pedestrians, bicycles, cars, and trains, all thanks to millions of rivets, thousands of tons of steel, and three ships-ful of granite. However, upkeep can be a bit of a chore; its paintable surface equals that of 60 playing fields.
Fact 5: A melting pot of races and ethnicities, Australia has embraced everyone from native aborigines to immigrants from Europe and Asia. However, it also holds mysteries in its past. During excavations on the site of a hotel in the late '80s, artifacts from the civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean world were discovered. Their presence has never been suitably explained.
Fact 6: If all the confusion with drains emptying counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere and Christmas occurring during the summer has you stymied, you'll be relieved to know that Sydney's climate is comparable to that of southern California. Anticipate heat and some extra humidity, and you'll be right in line with the weather.
Fact 7: If you're never quite sure what the natives in a city are called, Sydney may give you pause. Nope, its residents are not Sydneyites, or even Sydnonians. Denizens refer to themselves as Sydneysiders - and now, you will too.
Fact 8: In ancient times, the area where Sydney now exists was the domain of the native Daruk, Eora, and Guringai tribes. When the British took control of the region, the aborigines were pressed outward and crippled by disease and brutality. These days, the primary signs of their presence are the names of several city suburbs and a variety of rock engravings, paintings, and shell middens (refuse piles from seafood consumption).
Fact 9: If you've ever agonized over finding a restroom in New York city, you'll love Sydney's "comfort" initiative. The government has documented the location of approximately 13,000 restrooms all over the country and consolidated the data for the convenience of travelers. In preparation for a vacation or even a shopping jaunt, you'll want to log on to www.toiletmap.gov.au and determine where best to accommodate nature's call.
Fact 10: Many folks know that Sydney began life as a British penal colony, populated by convicts who often committed crimes as innocuous as petty theft. What most folks don't realize is that the criminals were only sent to Australia once the American colonies ousted the British from their territory. Prior to that, English convicts were shipped across the Atlantic.

Want to go? Check out our many options for Sydney Tour Packages!

Fiji Vacation Getaways!

There is an island in the Pacific
Who above all the rest is terrific
The sand is hot
The drinks are not
Come visit Fiji--it is magic!
Fiji Vacation Getaways are the perfect opportunity to add an Island Excursion to your South Pacific Vacation. Stop over in Nadi, the Coral Coast, or any of the off-shore islands for a truly unique experience. Come for the romance. Come for the diving. Come to swim with the dolphins. Whatever the reason, now is the time to come for the magic!

Discount Vacations to Tahiti and Fiji

Whether you want a private island picnic near Bora Bora or a canoe delivered breakfast in your overwater bungalow, Tahiti and Fiji are the ultimate South Pacific islands of paradise. A zesty blend of culture mixed with a touch of Heaven, paradise is beckoning you to come run your toes through her white sand, leaving the hustle and bustle of the office and work thousands of miles behind. Answer her call. Run with abandon along her carved shores or sip coconut juice as you relax under the shade of a palm tree. Don't hesitate another moment. Plan your discount vacation to Tahiti or Fiji today.

Fiji Cruise Vacations

Whether it's your honeymoon, family vacation, or a much-earned holiday, explore the possibilities of a Fiji cruise vacation. Our experienced agents have been helping travellers plan their perfect getaways for over 28 years. Just check out my collage pictures for an enticing taste of the Fijian Islands:

There's no place on earth quite like this one!

Travel Team Travels the World!

Vacations are what we specialize in. The TRAVEL TEAM Agents have extensive travel experience all across the world. From Tahiti to Morocco, Switzerland to Malaysia, and Maui to Sydney, our agents have been there and want to help you plan your dream vacation. Go ahead. Explore the possibilities. Here are some highlights from a couple of our agents:

1. Tracy, our Caribbean specialist, has traveled to St. Martin, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Barbados, and the Mayan Riviera to name a few. She also just got back from two weeks in Tahiti!
2. Camille is our resident World Traveler! She has been to Hawaii, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa Del Carmen, England, Scotland, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Greece, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Ghana, Togo, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, and almost every where in Australia!
3. Trisha has been to London, Paris, Belgium, Amsterdam, Spain, and Copenhagen, Morocco, Maui, Jamaica, the Western Caribbean, and the Fiji Islands where she got married!
4. Jennifer from A-to-Z has traversed countries across the globe including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Denmark, England, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Hawaii (Kauai, Oahu), Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City), Monaco, New Zealand, Scotland, and Switzerland!
5. Cameron has traveled extensively through Europe, living in Eastern France for 1 year, as well as touring London, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Holland, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, France, Andorra, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, and Austria! He has trekked through Iceland, East, Central and West Canada, and Northern Mexico as well!
6. Cathy in the South Pacific has visited Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Fiji; in Europe she has explored England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Croatia; in Africa she braved the sweltering sun of Egypt; in the East she voyaged across Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea; and finally in North America she has scoured the lands of the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada! Cathy has also been on over 10 cruises!
7. Dale, who has been in the business for 36 years, has traveled to Europe over a dozen times, the South Pacific four times, Hawaii over twenty times, South America, Asia, Central America, and has been on 13 different cruises! Ask Dale for a story about any place on the globe!