Vincent George Travel

06/05/2024

Last Chance! Exclusive Hurtigruten & escorted tours event 🗺️ - https://mailchi.mp/travelmanagers/last-chance-exclusive-hurtigruten-escorted-tours-event

04/05/2024

Had not seen my brother from another mother Mr Lai for a few years due to covid , then all of a sudden we ran into each other literally on a bicycle in Hoi An - we go back over a decade now
Proud of you !.. after Covid devastated his original tailoring business Lai has Opened up a new tailor shop in Hoi An 🌈 Rainbow

He goes above and beyond and will be recommending him for all our friends and clients heading to Vietnam

Vincent George Travel are travellers ♥️ we know all the best places and the best people because we engage and meet them on our travels

Talk to us about your next Vietnam adventure 🇻🇳
www.vincentgeorgetravel.co.nz

01/05/2024

Explore your inner photographer with Angela Haig Photography and Vincent George Travel :
Beginners to pros
iPhones androids or cameras

Come with us on an immersive adventure through the enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture of Morocco on our exclusive travel photography tour. From the streets of ancient medinas to the awe-inspiring vistas, every corner of Morocco offers a captivating scene waiting to be captured. Our experienced guides will lead you to hidden gems and iconic landmarks, providing insider knowledge and photography tips to help you capture the essence of this mesmerising destination. Join us for a journey of exploration and creativity, where your passion for photography meets the beauty of Morocco in every frame."

Register your interest today
Travel dates:
September 2024
August 2025
[email protected]

30/04/2024

How lucky are we to have Thomas from Hurtigruten join us in Dunedin on the 8th May for an exclusive insight to Hurtigruten Norway fjord cruising , northern lights travel Norway and Follow the Midnight Sun summer itineraries 

Seats are limited we are don’t have many seats left ! Email
[email protected]
For your exclusive place on the 8th May
Doors open 5:45 pm
Limited to 30 attendees
Light refreshments served
Venue disclosed at the time of RSVP 💚

30/04/2024

You're Invited! 2024 & 2025 Escorted Tours Info Evening! - https://mailchi.mp/travelmanagers/youre-invited-2024-2025-escorted-tours-info-evening

29/04/2024

Very limited spaces upon RSVP we will disclose venue
Presented by Hurtigruten and Vincent George travel
Escorted Tours and follow the lights presentation
[email protected]. To register your interest for this event.

26/04/2024

Love the local markets in Fiji.
Far more than just resorts. Explore more of the real Fiji with Vincent George Travel

25/04/2024

Want to visit this idyllic button of a wonderland ?
Register for our Hurtigruten evening ( 8 May ) showcasing our Norway Hurtigruten Classic Voyage North in February 2025 and so much more 💚
Register your interest to attend
Our information evening
We will forward further details
[email protected]

22/04/2024

Want an opportunity to see this ?
Join us on 8 May RSVPs by private message for further details as limited numbers
On our northern lights Norway escorted tour February 2025 plus learn of our other Tours escorted by Vincent George Travel including India Sri Lanka
and a South African safari

Photo credit night lights films

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/p3cbspx3seBhgEPH/?mibextid=WC7FNe

22/04/2024

Super cool even in spring the kirkness snow hotel is a once in a lifetime visit all year round
Can’t wait to get back next winter to take our group Northern Lights hunting head and husky sledging though loads to do in spring / summer too♥️
If you’re interested to explore our winter opportunity at the snow hotel along with a 7 night cruise through the Fjords of Norway drop us an email on www.vincentgeorgetravel.co.nz

22/04/2024

Important keep your cards safe whilst travelling:

This happened to me please read

ORIGINAL POST :
So annoying and inconvenient 😡so the powers of control want a cashless society … I’ve never been rolled on the street for cash but the hassle of over $1000 scammed from my card in vietnam after one airport duty free purchase is nuts!
It doesn’t stop there .. 27 attempts at my new card ( yes I have a double authentication) so only attempts
But 3 calls from FAKE ANZ fraud team.. no notes on my file reporting fraud despite 3 lengthy calls ( which they gave me my details not the other way around) .. result disable the entire ANZ accounts and countless AP’s

UPDATE:

two hours at the bank and trust me the bank staff are fretting about this too. Scammers are impersonating ANZ staff even with their own names and ANZ phone numbers is a real thing including verification txts etc

They know it’s a deep dark rabbit hole.
But when you travel overseas as often as I do and need thousands of dollars for tipping and on site expenses for my groups it makes it very hard to carry wads of cash all the time …
It’s important for people to know :

they can lock their cards the moment they use them overseas this saved further fraud on mine !
Not a win win for me at the moment, but ….we have found out it was very likely a skim rather than card fraud and could well have happened in New Zealand before I left ....

We will be reinforcing to clients if you are going to use cards overseas continue to advise your bank and look into a non-“ skim ” wallets even around your own city!
Such a freaking pain 🤦‍♀️

So…. Be vigilant :
Use cash where you can
Have an anti skim wallet
Advise your bank you are travelling
If you use credit cards travelling lock your card after each use .. you can do this off your phone app
if you use a wise card or currency exchange card that this can also be done by blocking your pin
… scammers don’t stop at bank issued cards … be safe when travelling and always have a back up

22/04/2024

Authentic custom itineraries with Adventure World!🗺️📍 - https://mailchi.mp/travelmanagers/authentic-custom-itineraries-with-adventure-world-ed9afa714n

14/04/2024

Cruise through incredible Alaska!🛳️ - https://mailchi.mp/travelmanagers/cruise-through-incredible-alaska-uldfr2shx6

03/04/2024

Aww too cute 🥰
the puppies born when we were at the snow hotel Norway growing every day for their husky sleigh careers 🐾♥️
Look forward to meeting them in 2025 💯♥️

https://www.facebook.com/share/qhApPxMYpYLZGmny/?mibextid=WC7FNe

02/04/2024

Top CRUISE DEALS of the week🛳️ - https://mailchi.mp/travelmanagers/top-cruise-deals-of-the-week-hl641cx3p9

20/03/2024

Incredibly humbled to be showcased by Dunedinstore

Felt a wee bit emotional I have to say upon hearing my first pod cast
Thank you for the opportunity 🥰🙏🏻💯

Epic (lengthy) Dunedin Stories episode with the incredible Rosann Connolly-George of Vincent George Travel, so much love in this session! 💖

Most people in Ōtepoti Dunedin will be familiar with this treasure of a person and organisation - if you were interested in the world of travel, especially her care, support and kindness for those “stuck” here or afar during Covid lockdowns. Her tireless and relentless focus on communicating, and doing the right thing to have families connected was international news. 🌏💞

Also an incredible advocate for mental health services (or the lack of) here — her activism knows no bounds as she continues to push for better. An enthralling story aligns with this, involving Dunedin legend Janet Frame, which you will have to listen to understand a wee slice of regret from Rosann.

The lasting message from Rosann is truly that we don’t know how lucky we are here, our city and our country offers more than most. 🏙️❤️ Having been in war zones, impoverished locations, orphanages and other hard to describe situations - she knows what she is talking about!

Love your work Rosann. 😍

Check out episode 9 here 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLvASwCkpbg

19/03/2024

Fabulous supplier day yesterday updating key knowledge in the industry
Lucky to get additional time spent with two of our favourite suppliers.
Rahul from Exotic Holidays and Visa Assist
As well as an awesome radio show debut star Thomas from Hurtigruten
We are so blessed to have such great connective relationships with key suppliers in the industry
Plus our gorgeous on air team Damian and Hannah
Vincent George Travel , your trusted travel agents, opening your door to explore the world 🌍

18/03/2024

Aussie on SALE with Air New Zealand 🔥 - https://mailchi.mp/travelmanagers/aussie-on-sale-with-air-new-zealand-jpxoqndni3

12/03/2024

Clients will be advised case by case in chronological order
At least you have a travel agent to navigate the changes … lucky clients , work in progress

11/03/2024

Experience the Northern Lights & MORE💫 - https://mailchi.mp/travelmanagers/experience-the-northern-lights-more-0cs8nazer0

09/03/2024

It’s official we are launching into our new Hurtigruten escorted boutique groups itinerary for the Arctic - limited spaces ❄️🇳🇴
Details below for registrations
Nationwide
Meet with us and / or pre register now for more information

If you can’t make the Dunedin information evening, you are still very welcome to join our escorted boutique group travel departing Late Feb / early March 2025 and 2026
Spaces are limited for our boutique tours

( this is also when the epic shopping season sales are on in Norway!! ) 

Individual Cruise sales are available 25% off Bookings before the end of March for 2025 Travel - selected voyages ( also applies to our boutique escorted group)

Why do we partner with Hurtigruten? … here’s why :

✨Accessibility to the northern region with ease and one stop shop booking
✨Price - cost effective for your bucket list adventures
✨Range of itineraries Leisure and Expeditions not only Norway
✨Ability to chase the Midnight Sun - summer Fjord sailing
✨Excellent shore excursions
✨Sustainability with a focus on local produce partnerships
✨Teaming with UNESCO
✨Environmentally aware
✨Amazing in every way ❣️

Fun facts:

131 years Of celebration
July 1893 the vessels Started cargo and the local passage to link northern and southern Norway

Hurtigruten means “Express route “ related to the routes from local port to port then took the name as the shipping company after success local sailings

1908 the voyages extend further to Kirkenes the closest point to the Russian border

1940-1945
The occupation of Norway decimates the fleet. 14 ships and 700 lives are lost at sea. Redeployment of Coastal Express ships after World War II is given the highest priority by the government.

1949
MS Erling Jarl is the first in a series of post-war ships built between 1949 and 1964. These ships will be the backbone of the Hurtigruten fleet until the 1980s and 90s.

2010
Hurtigruten ban the use of heavy fuel oil from all their ships and advocate for a worldwide ban on the highly polluting and toxic fuel.
…they are more geared for tourism with this initiative 💚

2015
Hurtigruten Foundation was established to reinvest in the communities they visit and to support environmental initiatives. They also launch our popular Northern Lights Promise for their selected winter voyages.

7 ships on the Norwegian coast predominately most popular in winter though summer expeditions Follow the Midnight Sun are also proving popular

2021
begins phasing in sustainable biofuels on their ships

Hurtigruten has the small port contracts and narrow fjords unique to the cruise ship / working ship market

Shuttles for excursions or embarking/ disembarking are provided
And a keen focus on sustainable tourism and expeditions

New routes within UNESCO heritage fjords are in place

Some ships will be dry docked consecutively until all become a hybrid like its other fleet family

A firm focus on eliminating waste :
70gm pp wastage only an amazing food wastage low count !!
70% of this waste will be composted within 48 hours
Private organic farms contribute with food
supplies and a dedicated composting farm
Impressive!

Nordic coastal kitchen on board uses only local cuisine concept assisting with small producers a win win for all
From cheeses to fish, seaweed ( one is a nz living partner ) salts , vegetables , meats

50 suppliers up and down the coastline

320 passengers on our ship at one time with over half as tourists round trip vs the transit local passengers

Many short stops and at least one long docking per day suits the independent traveller

On board services:
✨Shops for necessities
✨2 Conference centres
✨Bistro
✨King crab selections-scan the QR code select your crab -ocean border agreement with Russia on this as king crabs destroy the sea beds
✨Excellent wine selection
✨Fine dining small surcharge of $40 AUD 4 course or $50 AUD 5 course
✨Activity centre
✨Self service laundry very reasonable coin operated

Winter season Oct -Feb though there is a constant twilight late Nov-end of Jan

Summer can be daylight throughout Jun-Aug

Personally I prefer the lower deck cabins no disruption of anyone walking by ( from deck 5 upwards)

There are varying cabin levels
🔅Inside
🔅Outside
🔅Limited view
🔅Full view
🔅Double , triple Accessible
🔅Artic superior
🔅Suites

Because so close to towns and villages no medic is required on board
But trained medics are on board or phone ins are made for medical advice

Hurtigruten is a firm favourite partner to Vincent George Travel not only for its strength with the environmentally friendly lean, but also, it’s incredible sense of space on board
As local passengers are constantly moving, you don’t feel congested or crowded in anyway

Excursions are never crowded , attention to detail, appropriate clothing is given when required ( eg snowmobiles)
Friendly staff and great information always

This is a cruise excursion with a huge difference fit for all ages and mobility

See some of the amazing antics and info at our VGT / Hurtigruten evening 8th May in Dunedin venue TBA

watch this space for info
Message or email
[email protected]

09/03/2024

Tromsø you wee cutie! Tiny town with a big attitude 🇳🇴♥️💯 Make your own gold rings, blow your own glass
The smallest bar in the world ( smaller than George St Dunedin !!) and the most North Brewery on the globe
A great wee port stop off our Hurtigruten Adventure ❄️🇳🇴

08/03/2024

08/03/2024

Video :
Many years ago go a man had a dream to build a hotel from snow and ice
Not swayed by a close relatives comment that it was a “ridiculous concept, and People wanted the heat”…The Kirkenes Snow Hotel was born.

Travel through this brilliant unique concept with us

13 individually Well designed secure safe, themed rooms from the indigenous Sami peoples culture ( Rm 6 ) to Vikings and Disney characters and ice bar
A magical foyer and starry ice formations throughout

It truly doesn’t feel as cold as you may believe though you are given -20 below super cosy sleeping bags and liners, special pockets to store your phone , and belongings

Changing rooms, showers and toilets are connected to the end of the snow hotel in a warm inviting complex before you exit the huge multi storey restaurant and chill out cosy lounges .

From the words of the snow hotel :
Our Snowhotel is open all year around for overnight and day visitors, and you are very welcome to visit.
The first Snowhotel was built in 2005, and then melted every spring. It was rebuilt every year until 2019, when we as the first in the world decided to try something new; keeping the hotel frozen all summer.
We succeeded, and now you can enter a world of ice, which is as magical in July, as it is in December. Welcome in!”

Talk to Vincent George travel about how you can experience this unique opportunity

07/03/2024

So very blessed to have been chosen as the 1st group to ever experience this familiarisation out of all of the New Zealand independent travel brokers / agencies
Thank you so much Thomas and Hurtigruten
I thought I’d seen it all until we went to Norway on this Hurtigruten North Coastal experience 🇳🇴💚🙏🏻♥️
Cannot wait to enlighten our clients and organise our escorted tour for 2025 and 2026
More info to come on our special event on May 8 Th early registrations welcome
[email protected]
Our new region of specialisation 🇳🇴

07/03/2024

The Snow Hotel Kirkenes the magical winter ( and summer ) wonderland brainchild creation of inspirational Norway movie producer, child actor and entrepreneur Kåre
Tannvik located on the northern most point of Norway Kirkenes.
A unique hotel that offers a true Norwegian experience employing a host of passionate staff dedicated to a truly magical and educational experience .
Start the winter morning with a sumptuous breakfast , a sauna if you desire, head out onto the frozen fjords to experience a king crab catch. Learn about the process and the king crab existence as you witness a catch hauled up ready for lunch on the beautiful double storey restaurant complete with a welcoming Lounge , bar and quaint outdoor fire .
Grab an opportunity to test your snowmobile skills , wander through one of the most unique hotels constantly refurbished and added to with fresh snow and ice blocks almost daily literally up-keeping the snow/ ice facilities. Enjoy a variety of bedrooms each unique ( Room 6 is decorated with the indigenous people’s the Sámi language and features ) comfortable beds, inviting rooms and excellent cosy well below zero sleeping bags a truly unique experience .
Each room carefully carved as well as a very special ice bar .
If chilling here isn’t your thing no problem be even toastier in one of the several inviting beautiful wooden cabins giving the most advantage point to view the Northern Lights if Mother Nature decides to play her colourful symphony but remember this experience has so much more than the lights in this remote location.
One of my favourite experiences was the husky run - a very professional and loving environment breeding a variety of Alaskian cross bred huskies currently 160 on site well cared for running over 20km a day as they are bred for , instinctively and eager to do so.
Professionally and carefully trained ensuring all of the dogs are well maintained and cared for at a high level complete with a puppy breeding program and doggy hospital.

You learn of their backgrounds and can approach these beautiful canines at any atage throughout your stay, all loving and willing to be cuddled
Then it’s to work as they take their carefully selected positions based on strength and are hyper excited to race through the snow and across the frozen fjords .. it’s truly amazing !!!
The other ultimate opportunity is to be in touch with an authentic Sámi experience. Meet one of these treasured indigenous locals and learn of their reindeer herding , up close and personal with these gentle creatures, be educated on the Sámi culture, music and more around the camp fire - a truly VERY special experience as this race is so unique .
The cuisine served in the impressive restaurant is local and flavoursome as are the wines !
The bonus of the Northern Lights visible ( at times as we were treated to ) from here with the naked eye was extremely special , you learn about this phenomenon through the locals who are eager to answer questions dispel myths and truly inform you (should you be lucky enough to experience this magical symphony of the skies)

To add to the experience there is a VERY special moment you can choose to do safely at the Russian /Norwegian border (as Norway has a mutual respect with this complicated country ) and enter a truly humbling opportunity within a Kirkenes war bunker where Kåre has created a powerful short movie explaining in condensed time what became of this iron ore region pre , during and post war - a true education .
This region has my heart and will definitely be added to any Vincent George Travel escorted group and offered to any individual travellers for an unforgettable Norwegian experience winter and summer
A must do ! We will be back 🇳🇴💯

04/03/2024

North America & Asia on SALE now!✈️ - https://mailchi.mp/travelmanagers/north-america-asia-on-sale-now-bxigc5og20

04/03/2024

It happened again , another unbelievable sight out on the ocean on the Hurtigruten Ms Nordlys
At 1am mother nature decided to paint another tapestry across the sky

If you want to experience this amazing phenomenon in comfort and style , contact us at Vincent George Travel
, we can get you there or better still come on one of our planned Norwegian Hurtigruten escorted tours
For more information contact :

[email protected]





Vincent George Travel
Your trusted name in travel
Opening your door to explore the world

03/03/2024

Some quirky things during sailing

When you cross the Arctic circle you get to be baptised the Nordic way 😜 with ice cubes and a shot of something warming!!

Then a trip to Bodo gives us a treat to Craig Alabone famed chocolate connoisseur ♥️♥️🇳🇴♥️

The beauty of a Hurtigruten experience is authenticity 💯