Kim Payne Travel Broker

20/04/2024

I’ve just spent 2 weeks cycling around Corsica. Almost 1000km, so if we didn’t cycle there, probably not a road!!

Corsica is part of France, great for a self drive, cycle, hiking and of course coastline, for which there is tons. Favourite areas would be the west side beaches, Calvi and Ill Rousse. Stunning location although April is probably a bit early - it wasn’t sunbathing weather but it was lovely and quiet!!!

Yes I am working here so any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m now in Italy where the coffee is finally cheaper and better (sorry France!)

11/04/2024

Peugeot and Citroen make it easy and cost effective for car hire in Europe.. especially if you pick up and drop off in France! (Other airports are possible). Minimum 30 days hire for less than $3000NZ with GPS!

Still 2024 availability but certain vehicle types are sold out. Contact me if you want to know more

** rate quoted on Peugeot 208 manual.

19/03/2024

Very useful information especially as it’s starting to get cooler overnight. I can’t say 9degrees on the bike at 6am this morning was fun 😂

23/12/2023

Merry Christmas everyone. I’ll be taking the public holidays off but will see any urgent emails of course.

Thank you for your continued support. It’s so great to have Covid restrictions behind us and use our passports again. Gosh it’s a busy world out there and happy to report I haven’t sold a $6k economy airfare all year so prices are getting better but still unlikely to be pre covid levels for another year I think.

As always get in touch early as the NZ travel market is all about booking early to get the best deal.

I wish you all a lovely time with family and remembering those special people not with us at this time.

Merry Christmas 🎄❤️

27/11/2023

Reason 367 why you should use a Travel Agent! Just like you use a plumber for plumbing and an electrician for electrical work, we have the knowledge!

https://i.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-troubles/133352571/couple-stopped-from-boarding-1900-flight-after-booking-site-mixup?fbclid=IwAR0gzsQGGn7rJiHk2iRBPGN7-BlfCkaefu0Gh5spG4_j7ks5PtD70Vv3gqc_aem_ARvm3tcpdXBAvG_6x01H_UnSzSEsR9KxbzhBxoMki4qkNTNnMm_dlpuum3lSTLjy48g

Raksha Vandna believes she's due a refund after her in-laws were stopped for not having a visa to a country they had no idea they were travelling to.

23/11/2023

And.. Hawaii - flights and cruise from $4119 (twin share and based on inside cabin), cabin upgrades are available

9 nights from
$4,119
Cruise Departs: 17 or 24 Feb 2024

Sales until 28 Nov 2024 only.

Fly, Stay & Cruise Package
INCLUSIONS:
Return Economy Class flights Auckland to Honolulu with Hawaiian Airlines
2 nights pre-cruise accommodation at Hilton Waikiki Beach
7 night Hawaiian Islands cruise onboard NCL's Pride of America including:
~~Up to 50% Off Cruise Fare^
~~$500 off to use towards your airfare*
~~FREE Beverage Package+
~~FREE Specialty Dining Package+
~~FREE Internet Package+
~~FREE Shore Excursion Credit+
~~Reduced 3rd & 4th Guests+
~~Main meals and entertainment onboard
~~Port charges and government fees
~~Prepaid gratuities

Accommodation Resort Fee US$45 + taxes per day is payable direct.

As always, terms and conditions do apply

23/11/2023

BlackFriday with P&O Cruises. Check this out:

Message me at [email protected] if interested in a break.

Depart Auckland: 3 night Short Break - Comedy cruise from $369 per person quad share*
Depart Auckland: 8 night Pacific Island Hopper cruise from $1,029 per person quad share*
Depart Auckland: 4 night Short Break - Picton cruise from $369 per person quad share*
Depart Auckland: 7 night A Taste of Tasmania cruise from $499 per person quad share*
Depart Fremantle: 11 night Asia Explorer from $829 per person quad share*

Sale opens for booking 24 NOV 2023 2.01am NZDT and ends 28 NOV 2022 11.59pm NZDT.
Availability is strictly limited. Immediate payment of deposit required at time of booking.
Sale is not combinable with P&O's current campaign offer.

18/11/2023

A magic week in Fiji courtesy of Tourism Fiji seeing some properties in Mamanuca group of islands. Even survived a cyclone. A bit of a snap shot as don’t want to give it all away. If you need an expert to plan Fiji, very happy to help with much more info

16/11/2023

Amazing deals with Celestyal (who I just cruised with!). 2024 sailings on Black Friday deals until 30/11/23.

12/11/2023

I’ve just had clients return from 2 weeks in Egypt to visit family working up there. A few discussions prior to departure for obvious reasons but the workplace in Cairo confirmed that it was safe to visit so off they went.

Some wonderful feedback! So don’t be scared, start planning to see something new. I’ve been to Egypt and it’s a magical place.

************ ************ ************ *********

************ ************ ************ *********

“We have had the most amazing trip. Everything about it was special. Great friendly people, amazing weather, incredible sights and of course loads of family time.

I would definitely be telling people to travel there. The media is not helping but we felt safer there than we do at home! Of course we never ventured anywhere near sinai and Cairo is over 300km away from the Gaza Strip, but you would have know there was a war waging near Egypt.

The major sights were heaving with people and you definitely should have tour guides for them all. The tour guides we had were fantastic and so passionate on their country and its history and even more passionate to get word out to tourists its safe to visit”

08/11/2023

A travel colleague is travelling to Europe - Emirates Premium Economy.

How good does this product look? Oh the space 😍

03/11/2023

It’s that time of year that it feels like everything is on sale! Now it’s Tahiti.

Did you know Tahiti is hugely popular with the French and USA tourists and they book far ahead so by the time Kiwi travelers realise they need a Tahiti holiday, all the good accommodation is sold out (on some islands ALL the accommodation is sold out).

So if you want to swim in the beautiful blue waters of French Polynesia, eat lots of Poisson Cru or relax with a Pina Colada at sunset, think about booking now.

02/11/2023

I’ve just cruised with Celestyal and some incredible 2024 discounts for their Greece Itinerary’s!

Sales until 17/12 and AUD pricing. How good are these? Remember a hotel in Santorini won’t give you much change from NZ $1000 a night so this is a great deal

01/11/2023

A client recently told me about these neck pillows and I got one for my recent trip to Europe and she was right!!! Thanks Brenda, a great addition to your carry on luggage when travelling Economy or Premium Economy - I had such a great sleep

https://au.trtltravel.com/

31/10/2023

Another Europe deal. 25% off Eurail Global Pass in 1st and 2nd class.

33 countries in 1 pass. Must book by 13/11 and activate by 1June2024.

31/10/2023

This never happens. A great deal at Club Med Japan - 2 days free. Sales until end of November and valid at Club Med Tomamu, Sahoro, Kiroro Peak and Kiroro Grand. A few blackouts do apply Ie no travel at any resorts 31/12-25/1 (and some other dates!) but do get in touch if interested . [email protected]

29/10/2023

North America and Asia on sale with Air Nz for travel Feb-June 2024 (close outs and exceptions apply)

Sales until 10/11/23 so if you are thinking of USA or Asia in 2024, contact me now

16/10/2023

Lots of pictures here and hopefully some insights into my recent Celestyal 7 night Aegean Cruise. On board recently refurbished Celestyal Journey (max guests 1260) but some cabins not in use yet as not all been renovated. This ship was the old Pacific Aria. Don’t let “old Aria” put you off. This ship is looking stunning. A beautiful refurbishment.

Beautiful public spaces. Modern, clean and funky, ship felt empty except in the buffet just before ship docks!

7 night cruise with full days in ports so a super way to get around and so affordable! It’s definitely a value ship but with all the things you expect - the speciality dining was superb, evening shows, great bar, spa and gym area.

Considering the cost of island accommodation (and food), especially in high season, you can’t go past this product for value and the 7 night itinerary packed so much in. I need a holiday now.

By all day I mean leaving after 7pm (or Mykonos and Santorini leaving 1am!)

Day 2 - all day Thessaloniki (food capital of Greece)
Day 3 - all day Kusadasi (Ephesus and time to eat Turkish delight and shop for handbags!)
Day 4 -Crete - ruins and good food (we were not on the Crete side of the island with the great beaches)
Day 5 - Santorini (no words! Beautiful) but busy. Shop leaves 12.30am so ample time to explore and get the photos
Day 6 - Mykonos depart 2am. Likewise heaps of time to shop, eat and explore lots of beaches
Day 7- Milos. A hidden treasure of a more untouched Greek Island with only 2 cruise ships a week and Moon bay was awesome and drinks and food 1/2 the price of Santorini and Mykonos!

If Greece is on your itinerary for 2024, contact me now for great earlybird specials. A great way to see the islands

05/10/2023

A quick update before the good stuff comes. I have the opportunity to return to Europe and learn about Celestyal Cruises on a 7 night Greek Island Cruise on Saturday but of course I had to get here. Air nz don’t fly to Athens so I came via Frankfurt with a stopover before a Lufthansa flight in a few days.

Frankfurt - easy train direct from airport to city (Eur6 one way) and at 7pm super safe and a quick walk to the hotel! I was here a year ago and it’s a lovely city to spend a few days

05/09/2023

Earlybird fares for Europe out now with multiple airlines. Remember airline systems only let us book 11 months ahead.

Also Olympics 2024 in Paris end of July so specials are not going to be in the system for travel around these dates (sorry!).

Contact me now if you have a plan on the horizon. [email protected]

07/07/2023

Today I wanted to do something a bit different in London from the normal sightseeing (client research) so did an amazing Food tour in the East End. I’ll be sure to bang on about this for years. I lived in London for 4 years in the late 90s and I absolutely loved every bit of the 4 hours today. I learnt so much and the food was great too. Who wants to join next time they are in London? They do Soho too.

29/06/2023

A couple of food recommendations.

Seville - HUMMO- means smoke in Spanish. Superb
Cordoba - Vertigo restaurante, probably best meal in 5 weeks!

Both 5 star and approx 40-50 euro for 3 courses with drinks.

Unfortunately both open at 830pm so not great for kiwis that want to dine earlier but do as the Spanish do, and siesta during the day!

12/06/2023

How much for 2 Americano and 2 double espresso ?

EUR5.60

12/06/2023

Some of you know I’m in Spain right now so a bit of an update. I’ve been cycling from Barcelona since 20 May, through the Pyranees, to San Sebastián, along the Camino and about to get to Compostela today. Cycled about 1800km so far and 33000m elevation - nearly 4 times up Mt Everest. Next time the travel agent needs to check how hilly Spain is.

Fact: Spain is next mountainous country after Switzerland in Europe

I am still working as always and always online 2-5pm NZ time and I do the rest of my hours when you are sleeping.

Ps europe is CHEAP!!!! I have tons of clients visiting in the next few months so enjoy the 1 euro coffees and 2 euro glasses of wine!!

19/05/2023

I just tried to book a 2023 tour for clients and everything in Spain and Portugal for Sep/Oct was completely full. Such beautiful itinerary's and their 2024 itinerary's are now for sale. If you are thinking 2024 then it's never to early to plan. (t's and c's apply and prizes frozen until 28 June 2023)

Why Backroads?
* takes you off-the-beaten-track to reveal authentic experiences
* maximum 18 guests
* luxury mini-coach to avoid large crowds and overpopulated tourist spots.

17/05/2023

Nice bonus if anyone is a Cathay Pacific Frequent Flyer Member.

Cathay Pacific is offering Kiwi residents who are existing CX Members access to 460 free return class tickets ex Auckland to Hong Kong courtesy of Hong Kong Airport Authority and
in support of the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s consumer campaign Hello Hong Kong. The free tickets will be on a first come first served basis from Mon 29 May at 1000 and
the free fares do not include taxes and surcharges. See more

Hong Kong International Airport has sponsored 460 Adult Economy Class round-trip tickets for Cathay members to fly from Auckland to Hong Kong. All taxes and surcharges apply and are at the cost of the traveller.

04/05/2023

I agree!

There's no better feeling on this earth 🥲

30/12/2022

Just like that the trip is over. I got back just before Christmas, and a few days off now and back into it. Thank you for allowing me to work with a mobile office although I’m sure many of you didn’t even realize. While it looks like I cycled a lot, the time difference meant I cycled while NZ slept which worked extremely well.

25/12/2022

Merry Christmas Everyone. Thank you for your support this year and I hope those that travelled in 2022, had a fabulous trip. It’s still a crazy world out there with lost luggage, flight changes, and limited airport staff etc so we all need patience when getting our suitcases dusted off.

I am working over the Christmas period and here for emergencies on public holidays, otherwise back to your requests and holiday planning on the 28th.

Enjoy the special time with your loved ones ❤️