Sandy Holmes- Travel Broker

27/02/2025

Viking River and Ocean cruises is coming near you throughout NZ.

Explorer Sessions are hitting the road, coming to 12 locations across New Zealand between April and May this year. They are all free informative sessions, so feel free to self-register & email me if you are planning on going, and I may see you there!

KAPITI : Mon,12 MAY 10-12pm, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
LOWER HUTT: Wed, 14 May, 10:00-12pm, Boulcott's Farm Heritage Golf Club
WELLINGTON: Thu, 22 May, 6:00-8pm, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

Check other locations on the link below for NZ

E: [email protected]

You’re invited to attend our free information sessions to learn what makes us unique, what’s new and the fascinating destinations you can explore with Viking.

26/02/2025

Let’s Go ladies: New Women-Only Cruise

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has its first a women-only cruise—
which is set to sail through France in August 2025.

The special voyage aboard S.S. Catherine will be headlined with a special comedy set from Rachel Dratch, an award-winning actor and comedian known for her roles on the US show Saturday Night Live. The inaugural women-only cruise will sail ex Arles to Lyon on 24 August, exploring Burgundy and Provence, with special programming, activities and entertainment. Special shore excursions include a candlelight concert in Lyon, a visit to the International Shoe Museum, and the chance to try their hand
at lavender weaving and truffle hunting.

Email me at: [email protected] 😊

Uniworld is thrilled to announce our first-ever women-only river cruise!

03/02/2025

Explore further afield...and take advantage on Air NZ Sale to UK, Europe and Asia - sales until 17th of February 2025.

If you are planning a trip this year and would like me to keep you updated when the specials come out, email me and I will be in touch once the right airfares/ deals is for you.

Happy Monday !🌼🌏

29/01/2025

YOGA LOVERS? Combine a retreat with a piece of paradise.

The inaugural Yoga Festival in The
Islands of Tahiti will be held at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resort, between 3-6 October 2025.

Originally held annually in Arizona, the Tahiti Yoga Festival will offer travellers a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, immerse themselves in Polynesian culture, and experience Tahiti.
The festival takes place during the shoulder season, which is prime time for those wanting to visit the destination when there are fewer tourists.

https://tahitiyogafestival.com/

12/01/2025

New ESTA visa required to anyone travelling to the UK on a non UK passport. Effective now.
Cost: GBP 10

Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK.

07/01/2025

NEW YEAR SALE IS ON...AIR NZ is on Sale worldwide until the 17th of January 2025

Meanwhile, here is a great deal for cruising Japan:

13 nights from $4,639 twin share

Flying Air New Zealand
INCLUSIONS:
Return Economy Class airfares to Tokyo flying Air New Zealand ex Auckland
4 night pre-cruise accommodation in Tokyo
9 night cruise with Princess including:
- US$285 Onboard Credit per stateroom
- Princess® dining, accommodations and entertainment
- Medallion Class® experience
- Port charges and government fees

Valid for sales 7 Jan 25 to 17 Jan 25
unless otherwise specified Valid for travel commenced on or after 21 Oct 25

06/01/2025

Happy New Year! 🎉 Hope you have had a nice break and celebrations with family. Wishing you a year full of exciting adventures and unforgettable memories. I’d love to help you explore new destinations and plan your next getaway. Here’s to a year of travel, fun, and making new memories! 🌍✈️

19/12/2024

Thank you for your business this year. Another great year with a lot of travel worldwide and a Special mention at our annual conference recently... 25th Agent within NZTB nationwide.

Thanks to you all for your support. I love what I do and it is a pleasure connecting with you throughout the year. For many of you, we go back years and years and I love that we connect time after time. This year was my 25th year in the industry!

2025, I will continue being here and assisting to make your time off well spent and trouble-free.

For now, we all can do with a good break, some sunshine and relaxation. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2025.

I will close on Monday 23rd until Monday 6th January 2025. You can call me for any emergencies - new travel if needed -or emergencies if you are overseas.

With gratitude - Enjoy the break and your families/friends 🎄☀️😊

28/11/2024

I am heading to our annual conference today & tomorrow and will be meeting with over 40 suppliers.

Airlines, tour operators, cruiseliners ( Ocean & River), insurance companies...it is always informative and up to date with the latest.

Off my emails until Monday.

Enjoy your weekend!

12/11/2024

Bula! Enjoying a week in Fiji and what a beautiful range of resorts I am seeing.

All nested in the Mamanucas, I have visited the following:

Plantation Island, Musket Cove, Lomani Resort, Six Senses, Tropica, Likuliku, Malolo Resort, Castaway Resort, Tokoriki Resort... all different and stunning.

I highly recommend a day trip on Sabre...a catamaran which sails daily from Denarau to a sand bank for snorkelling & lunch in the Mamanucas. A very good day out.

We are so lucky having a tropical haven so close to home. If it is on the cards, give me a shout 🐠🌺🌴

27/10/2024

Bula! Fiji... my happy place yet again. Grateful to have a tropical paradise close to home with sun, sea, beauty, smiles, nature & always a warm welcome.
This time, it is about a special celebration...25th year anniversary & what a special place to have it here at Nanuku Resort.

Located on the Pacific Highway, it is part of the " small luxury resorts " of the world. Here, you will find privacy with villas, suites & residences all with private pools & a very friendly personalized service.

Vinaka & happy long week- end in NZ to you all. 🌴🌸🌺

03/09/2024

ANTARCTICA 2026

ULTRA- LUXURY EXPEDITIONS
FEATURING SOUTH AMERICA

The ultra-luxurious SEABOURN VENTURE is ready to whisk you
away to extraordinary landscapes.

•Discover the hidden gems of Antarctica aboard the luxurious Seabourn Venture, designed to access remote locations
inaccessible to larger vessels.

•Enjoy time at leisure in elegantly furnished shared spaces, including the Constellation Lounge with 270º views, the Expedition
Lounge and Discovery Centre.

•Savour exceptional dining experiences, inclusive of complimentary onboard beverages, from made-to-order sushi and lavish buffets to gourmet meals at The Restaurant and 24-hour in-suite dining.

•All suites feature ocean-view panoramic balconies, flatscreen TVs, complimentary in-suite bars, walk-in closets, and spacious bathrooms with bathtubs and showers.

•Rejuvenate in wellness spaces, such as the heated pool, jacuzzis, expansive deck with sun loungers, shaded seating, and an onboard sauna.

•Use the ship as a base for daily morning and afternoon Zodiac rides, exploring scenic Antarctic bays and channels while getting
close to the region’s incredible wildlife.

12/08/2024

FIJI MEGA SALE

Time to book your escape, at amazing sale prices.

Travel dates offered range from the end of 2024, if you have the desire to get away before Christmas right into the first 5 months of 2025 from January through May.

Prices below include:
• Return economy class airfares flying Fiji Airways, from Auckland to Nadi (unless otherwise stated)
• Prepayable airline taxes, levies and surcharges
• Accommodation for 5 nights including all local taxes
• Return Private vehicle transfers to/from Airport/Resorts and Scheduled boat transfers to/from Island Resorts
• Bonus offers as indicated

Option1: OUTRIGGER FIJI BEACH RESORT
Premium Ocean View Room
5 nights from $2199pp
• Buffet Breakfast daily
• FREE WiFi
• Talai Butler service with daily champagne and canapes
• BONUS F$200 Spa Credit
• PAY ONLY $499pp to include
5 x Days Lunches and Dinners

Option2: INTERCONTINENTAL FIJI RESORT & SPA
Pool View Room
5 nights from $2199pp
• Buffet Breakfast daily
• BONUS F$250 Resort Credit
• STAY 2 EXTRA NIGHTS from $699pp
(receive increased credit of F$350)

Option3: SOFITEL FIJI RESORT & SPA
Luxury Oceanside Room
5 nights from $2499pp
• Buffet Breakfast daily
• In-room daily Minibar
• BONUS F$750 Resort Credit
• FREE 1 Day x Waitui Beach Club Pass
• STAY 2 EXTRA NIGHTS from $599pp (receive increased credit of F$1050)

Option4: SHANGRI-LA YANUCA
ISLAND FIJI
Reef Deluxe Room
5 nights from $2499pp
• Buffet Breakfast daily
• FREE WiFi
• Adults Only Reef Wing Benefits, including daily canapes and beverages
• PAY FROM $599pp to include ALL MEALS and BEVERAGES for 5 DAYS

Option5: CASTAWAY ISLAND FIJI
Island Bure
5 nights from $3099pp

Option6: MATAMANOA ISLAND RESORT
Beachfront Bure
5 nights from $3099pp
• Full American Breakfast daily
• ADULTS ONLY RESORT
• Bure with Private
plunge pool

GOLFERS DELIGHT
5 nights from $3489pp
• Flying Business class with Fiji Airways
• Includes 4 x 18 hole rounds of golf @ Denarau Golf Club (per booking)
• 5 nights Sofitel Fiji Resort in a Luxury Room
• Daily Buffet Breakfasts
• BONUS F$750 Resort Credit
• In-room daily replenished Mini-bar
• 1 x Days Waitui Beach Club Pass for 2 adults
• Private Airport transfers
• FJ Premium Nadi lounge access on departure from Fij

Contact me on [email protected] 😊

20/07/2024

Winter break in the Yasawas Islands, Fiji. I love to put this spot on the map...it is stunning!

Family, nature, smiles, sun, sea, snorkel...and few chooks by the bure. Love Octopus Resort, Fiji

18/07/2024

Thailand and Vietnam escapes?

Vietnam Family Adventure

Visiting Hanoi, Halong Bay, Phong Nha, Hue, & Hoi An
This Vietnam family holiday is special because of all the first-time experiences it creates. Taste exciting new foods, learn about the culture and way of life of the Vietnamese people, and witness glorious natural wonders with your loved ones on a family holiday to Vietnam. This tour has trusted local guides, transport companies, hotels and resorts that are handpicked to cater to the needs of families travelling to Vietnam. This means you can have all the fun of a cycle tour and cooking class in Hoi An, a motorbike tour of Hue, a Halong Bay overnight cruise, a jeep tour of Hoi An, a cave tour in Phong Nha, a visit to Marble Mountain, and more, with none of the stress!
12 Days From $2,155* Per Person, Quad Family Share
Includes:
4-star accommodation for 9 nights, boat for 1 night, train for 1 night
11 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 1 Dinner
English-speaking local guides (one place = one guide)
Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles as mentioned in the Itinerary

Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
*Travel Dates & Terms & Conditions Apply.

Best Of Thailand

Visiting Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai, & Phuket
The perfect combination of relaxation and action. Experience Bangkok like a local on a guided tour of Chinatown's quaint shops. Explore the 24/7 flower market at Pak Klong Talat for unique finds. Dive into Thai cuisine for lunch, discover the Temple of Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and cruise the Chao Phraya River on a private long-tail boat. Complete your journey with a visit to the stunning Wat Arun for photo-worthy moments. In Kanchanaburi explore the War Cemetery and Museum, visit the iconic bridge over the River Kwai, and take a 1.5-hour train ride on the Death Railway. Enjoy a buffet lunch and explore the historic Krasae Cave. Visit the Chiang Mai temples and test your cooking skills on a culinary adventure with a visit to a local market for fresh ingredients followed by a four-course Thai cooking class. In your final days experience a thrilling day at sea with our expert guide, starting from Chalong Bay where you'll travel by high-speed boat to Raya Yai Island, where you can enjoy snorkelling in crystal clear waters and a delicious Thai set lunch. The adventure continues with swimming and snorkelling at Koh Hae Island and Koh Aeo.

13 Days From $2,159*Per Person, Twin Share
Includes:
3-star accommodation for 12 nights
12 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner
English-speaking local guides (one place = one guide)
Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles as mentioned in the Itinerary
Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
Economy Class Flight Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Economy Class Flight Chiang Mai to Phuket

*Travel Dates & Terms & Conditions Apply. Travel till March 2025

18/07/2024

New train in the Med...

This train will make a nice addition to link Milan and Nice along the coast.

A new ‘tourist train’ run by the Italian rail service will take passengers between Nice and Milan this summer, bringing a touch of Riviera flair to the travelling experience.

The ‘Espresso Riviera’ service will run from August 4 to September 1, leaving Milan in the morning to arrive in Nice in the early afternoon, before making the reverse trip in the evening. Each journey takes around six hours.

Tickets start from €44.50, and there will be a dining carriage on the train for passengers to eat onboard, as well as a bar and storage for bikes. First class tickets start from €59.50.

24/06/2024

Sunshine Coast deals

AIR NZ is returning to the Sunshine Coast from Auckland, on the 26th of June. It is operating three times a week on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday until October 2024. Services between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast operate on an Airbus 320neo aircraft.

Indulge in a six-day Sunshine Coast & Beyond land package.
Priced from $1879pp for travel 26 Jun-14 Jul and from $1999pp for
travel 15 Jul-06 Dec.

The package includes six days’ car hire with unlimited kms, three nights at Coco Mooloolaba, admission to Australia Zoo and three-day K’Gari tour. Blackout periods and surcharges may apply and flights are additional.

06/06/2024

Wanting to cruise Ocean or River?

VIKING is hosting 31 Viking Explorer Sessions around NZ between February & July this year

You’re invited to attend one of Viking’s complimentary information sessions to learn what makes Viking uniquely different, what’s new in the world of Viking river, ocean and expedition voyages,
and some of the fascinating destinations you can explore with Viking.
Their New Zealand Commercial Manager will be available to answer your questions and assist you in planning your next unforgettable journey.

Plus, you’ll receive a special offer for joining us on the day.

The Viking Explorer Sessions will introduce you to the Viking way of exploration, along with an overview of some of their most popular journeys. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with
like-minded guests and ask questions specific to your holiday plans.
Simply choose the session time of your choice, and I’ll register on your behalf.
Alternatively, you can self-register at viking.com/explorersessions.

Kapiti Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course
Tuesday 11 June 2024
10:00am Morning tea
10:30am Presentation

Lower Hutt Boulcott’s Farm Heritage Golf Course
Wednesday 12 June 2024
10:00am Morning tea
10:30am Presentation

Wellington James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Thursday 13 June 2024
10:00am Morning tea
10:30am Presentation
or
6:00pm Drinks & Canapes
6:30pm Presentation