It's time to plan for the future!

I don’t know about you but I am really looking forward to being able to get on to an aircraft and fly again.

Traveling around New Zealand and supporting local in the short-term is definitely important, and we can help you put together a fun Kiwi escape, but the call of overseas travel is as strong as ever.

So, where are you planning to go?

If Australia opens up first (likely), Tasmania would be really interesting as a destination. Also think about WA - you can have many different experiences in that State.

Personally? I’m keen to get to South-East Asia. Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Or Thailand. So many choices.

Let us know what you’re thinking. What are your dreams?

Africa Update from World Journeys

We recently attended an update evening hosted by our friends at World Journeys.

This continent is still the bucket list destination.

If you’re looking for a luxury trip of a lifetime, let us know. We’ll make it happen.

Rail Journeys are increasingly popular. Check out Rovos Rail or The Blue Train for unforgettable experiences. Both these operators provide luxury and an entirely different perspective.

You have many options available to you - from short stays at a luxury lodge overlooking a waterhole to an amazing luxurious fully-escorted 22 day Safari that takes you through Qatar, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Countries of breathtaking beauty, ancient histories, and so much to see, do and experience.

There are always offers available so check with us.

These currently include:

andBeyond Botswana - Mobile Camping Expeditions

Staying at one of three beautiful lodges belonging to The Dulini Collection

Or visiting the exclusive 5-star Savanna Private Game Reserve may be more you?

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is also extremely popular.

Let us know if you’d like more information on any of these.

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Discover Tasmania

We recently had the pleasure of attending an event promoting Tasmania as a destination. I have to say, what an amazing place Tasmania is.

Three quick take-aways from the event are:

• it’s ideal for Kiwis wanting to see a different side of Australia.

• it’s perfect for those who love food and drink, and wilderness and wildlife,

• it’s really easy to get to.

Reading up about the destination, I learned that 40% of Tasmania is protected through National Parks, reserves and conservation areas. Highlights include The Western Wilds, Cradle Mountain, the West Coast Wilderness Railway, The Tarkine Drive and the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail.

As a foodie, I have to say it was really great meeting the Cheesemaker and tasting some of Bruny Island Cheese’s best. It would be well worth a visit to the factory.

I got a strong impression that Tasmania really did feel like ‘home’. It’s a place I’m quite sure you’d enjoy if you want to do something a little different for an Australian getaway.

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The USA is still a popular destination!

Every year we get updates from the Brand USA team. They bring many vendors: destinations, States, experiences, and hoteliers to our shores.

It’s always great to be reminded of the amazing discoveries that that vast land holds.

I’d like to highlight a few things that caught my eye.

• it’s easy to get to. Many airlines fly to a number of destinations in North America. There are so many different routings that we can use.

• Disney is opening their Star Wars experience - Galaxy’s Edge very very soon. It’s going to be astonishing.

• I really want to explore The Great American West - the States of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Incredible landscapes, wildlife, craft breweries and distillieries.

• Oregon is also fabulous. Perfect for an American Road Trip.

• One of my favourite destinations, Zion National Park in Utah, is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a National Park. If you’ve never been there, you must. It’s breathtaking.

There are many more places to explore.

Call us for ideas and suggestions.

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Qantas ‘From Here to Everywhere’ global sale now on

Qantas is offering special Economy deals to South Africa, USA, South America, South East Asia, North East Asia and Premium Economy and Business specials to selected destinations.

The fares are available for sales and ticketing until midnight 25 February 2019

There are too many to list, so call us on 09 475 0081 to get the detail.

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Slovenia

One of my favourite things to do is to learn about destinations that I'd never really considered to visit.

Recently the Slovenia Tourism Board visited New Zealand at the end of a promotional tour.

Slovenia is tiny. 2 million people in 20,000 sq kms. Geographically, you can be skiing in the Alps in the morning, and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea in the afternoon.

I was struck by the similarities in approach between their promotion and the promotion that Tourism New Zealand does for this country. Both places focus on green, active and healthy adventures, so it's a natural fit for Kiwi tourists.

Slovenians pride themselves on their environmental efforts, their friendliness and their safety.

Key points of interest include the capital, Ljubljana - the European Green Capital of 2016, with its Castle and other arts and cultural sights, Piran a picturesque Meditterranean walled town, and the Postojna Cave - the most visited tourist cave in Europe.

If you're a foodie (I sure am!), there are many gastronomic regions in Slovenia, influenced by its neighbours. Slovenia is  home to Ana Roš, named World's Best Female Chef in 2017, and who has been featured in the Netflix series Chef's Table.

I'm thinking Slovenia could be a great place to visit for more than the usual couple of days when touring Europe. It depends on how you like to travel, but I know I could happily stay in the Capital and visit the entire country over the course of a week. It's now on my list!

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What kind of travel does Target Travel organise for our customers?

We have learned in recent years that there is a perception that Target Travel is an expert in business travel (we are) and that that is our focus.

We have also learned in recent years that there is a perception that Target Travel is an expert in leisure travel (we are) and that that is our focus.

The simple fact is that we are experts in organising your travel. Whether it is business or corporate, flying you to your meeting in China, or taking you and your family to enjoy the sun in Rarotonga. We do both. And we do it well.

We love sending groups of people to the Philippines for their Christmas holidays. We loved flying the Got A Trade? Got It Made! future leaders from all over New Zealand to attend their future leaders forum and awards night.

We love sending school groups on adventures to all sorts of destinations.

We love flying missionaries to and from their mission fields.

If you already use us for your business, tell us where you want to go for your next holiday with friends or family. If you use us for your leisure travel, could you please refer us to the correct person in your business?

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Have you been thinking about Vietnam?

There are many tour packages available for South-East Asia - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos as well as Thailand. We have some great partners that we work with to ensure you will have the trip that you want - and need.

One of our friends recently visited Vietnam. I was curious as to why she went there out of all the destinations available to her, and more importantly I wanted to know about her experience. She was generous with her time to help me tell her story:

1) Why did you choose Vietnam?

I had been thinking about going to Vietnam to do some cycling, and it seemed just a little bit of a different destination from the other South East Asian countries friends had been visiting. I wanted a place that would push me out of my comfort zone and experience new and interesting things. Air New Zealand had some travel deals on so I found a tour that fit with what I wanted to do and went with it.
 

2) What were your expectations?

I had no expectations other than adventure, and with around 500kms covered in total on two wheels, including some rugged terrain, extreme temperatures and a 1700m hill climb, it certainly delivered that!
 

3) What did you get out of traveling there?

A fantastic and deeply enriching experience that I'll never forget. Stunning scenery from city to sea, meet many beautiful, humble and kind-natured people and taste the most amazing and delicious food.

I toured on bike from Saigon through to Hanoi for 15 days and got to truly push myself in a day to day adventure while immersing myself in the dynamic contrasts that Vietnam represents. I got to experience the local side of Vietnam, taste sensational food and really discover a magical place that has left a huge impression on me.

4) Any final comments?

It is a brilliant, safe and rewarding place to visit. Do your research on basics like currency and customs but other than that it is a really wonderful place and I'll definitely be returning soon.

* All images courtesy Jennifer Corbett | @msjencorbett

Air China

In November 2016 I was lucky enough to be able to experience Air China's service from Auckland to Beijing.

Many Chinese airlines are now connecting from that wonderful country to ours, and having flown Air New Zealand previously, I was looking forward to the opportunity.

Before getting on board the aircraft, I noted that the timing of the flights was really good. We were scheduled to depart Auckland after 8pm which meant that a natural sleep would occur, leaving us fresh for the early morning arrival.

I have to say that my first impression wasn't ideal. The aircraft we were traveling on was an older Airbus A330-200. Old technology, old entertainment systems, and slightly cramped cabin didn't encourage us. I suspect that this would have been one of the last flights that this aircraft would be doing. More later.

I would guess that 95% of the passengers were Chinese returning home. I loved this of course. It meant that by the time we arrived in Beijing we had been immersed in Chinese culture. Being surrounded by boisterous and continuous non-English conversation reduced the impact of arriving in China to Westerners on their first visit.

All the meals served were rice-based (and delicious) and it was amusing to us to be offered wine, where we could choose from the white one or the red one.  (side note: it shows that there is huge opportunity for New Zealand vineyards in that particular market!).

Our return flight, which departed Beijing around 1am, arriving in Auckland at approximately 6pm local time, was much much better. This was a brand new shiny Dreamliner, and was crewed by a much more senior and experienced crew. The aircraft was beautiful although the Economy-class seats did still seem a little tight. The catering was great, although we were looking forward to a decent burger once we got home. After all, there is only so much Kung Pao Chicken one can consume in a week. And the best thing? No noticeable jetlag. We were both able to sleep a full night and be fresh for work the morning after arriving home.

So, would I fly Air China again? Absolutely. I really enjoyed the experience. Their crews were great and I was watching how they helped their passengers with small details such as filling out arrival cards. They cared a lot.

Africa

Have you been thinking about having a Trip of a Lifetime to discover Africa? Target Travel can help you put together a holiday package that you'll remember forever.

Spend some time among the people in their villages. Get to experience their oral history and tribal rhythms.

There are many ways to get to the Continent. Direct flights but also flights routed through other key hubs. Some even arrive around 12:30.

Yes, it's a long journey from New Zealand, but we partner with all the best carriers so your time spent in airports and in the air is as comfortable as it can be.

If you're a traveler that likes to interact with the locals, then Africa is for you. From the cities to the villages. There are many different countries with many different pulses.

How many stories could you uncover?

Clients of ours who have made this journey have told us that Africa was a destination that they've struggled to leave when the time came to return to New Zealand.

Most travelers to this magical place want to get among the wildlife. There are many Safari operators, and many options depending on your budget. You will be able to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

You will be able to hear the lions roar and the wild dogs crying out in the night.

An African experience is one never forgotten. It'll reset you. It'll take you out of your comfort zone and your routine and will refresh you and give you an entirely new perspective of life.

Think about taking some time to do the things you don't get to do often.

And yes, if you haven't quite worked it out:

Note: Photos are credited to Great Plains Conservation and show aspects of Botswana and Kenya.