Travel By Design

16/10/2024

Africa by Rail with special guest Hilary Barry.
Offering flight discounts with Qantas. From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls departing 28 August 2025 this exclusive 10 day charter will take you through the heart of South Africa and Zimbabwe with a group of likeminded travellers and of course Hilary Barry. You will head to some of the region's most iconic destinations including Kruger National Park, the exclusive Kapama Private Game Reserve, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and the Hwange National Park. All offering unique opportunities to witness the majestic "Big 5".
We cannot recommend Africa highly enough, it is a destination you will never forget the marvels of.
Please note, availability is limited on this one-off charger trip to get in touch today to reserve your place onboard.

14/10/2024

Dubai Desert Safari
Self drive a dune buggy, dune bashing in convoy or enjoy a drive out to the desert with Premium Heritage Safaris.
You will experience traditional head dress, a falcon flying show, desert dunes, camel ride, henna painting, superb three course dinner in a traditional Bedouin camp. A very worthwhile experience.
Contact us for first hand information [email protected]

09/10/2024

Burj Khalifa Dubai
In all it’s magnificence and the view from the top even more spectacular
160 floors 830 metres high
A spectacle day or night. Very much worth the cost to go to floor 125 in 60 seconds!
The views outstanding but the photos not so much through the glass.

09/10/2024

Dubai’s Shopping
There are plenty of air conditioned Malls to choose from, or the traditional Souks for jewellery, spices, dried fruit and nuts.
Dubai Mall boasts an enormous Aquarium, Ice Skating Rink where they have Ice Hockey games playing, two level waterfall, outdoor musical light show fountain, luxurious shops, restaurants and cafes.
Mall of the Emirates has the 400m ski slope so if you think you might be tempted to have a few rubs while shopping you best include it in you Travel Insurance policy!

06/10/2024

Dubai - A Wow Experience
3-4 days is enough to see not everything but will give you a taste of what Dubai is about. June to August/September are the hottest months and can reach 50 degrees Celsius, however they will only ever record to 48 degrees as any hotter is not good for tourism. Dubai is supersized in every way. Eight lanes of traffic each way, cars are the most elaborate you will see, magnificent buildings grace the landscape and it’s a shopping Mecca. The Hop on Hop off City Sightseeing bus is a great way to get started as it will give you your bearings. We did the 48 hour option which was perfect to take us to Dubai Mall, Emirates Mall, Burj Al Arab, Museum of The Future, Gold and Spice Souks, Dubai Creek, Dubai Frame, Atlantis The Palm, JBR Beach, The Palm View whilst seeing all the amazing architecture along the way.
Stay tuned for more about some of these sites.

27/09/2024

La Sagrada Familia - A definite must see.
Barcelona’s most famous icon and the most famous of Anthony Gaudi’s 4 Architectural buildings. The exterior is a crazy looking structure but every square inch has Vern architecturally mastered with meaning, once you hear the story behind the creation you will understand its brilliance.
The interior is something else, a biblical cathedral but with modern futuristic qualities, a true masterpiece.

24/09/2024

Just to add to the delights of Valencia, City Hall, Cathedral du València and Central Market, all a feast of magnificence. València would also not be complete without trying their traditional drink Agua du València - outstanding 😊

23/09/2024

Recommend a visit to the Sea Aquarium in Valencia, beware it is huge , you need a good 2-3 hours to get round it, that’s not in peak season when it’s crowded. Follow up with a beach visit, equally as huge

22/09/2024

València tour by Tuk Tuk, just great, a fabulous city.

19/09/2024

A day trip from Duras, past Bordeaux to La Dune du Pilat, wow what a sight. A perfect time to do this when the sand isn’t too hot . 3 kms of dunes and building!

13/09/2024

Today’s Chateau is the stunning Chambord Chateau which includes the Van Gough double spiral staircase, very majestic

12/09/2024

Early bird fares to Europe are starting to appear so get in touch with us for your next adventure!

11/09/2024

Today visited the famous Chenonceaux Chateau built over the Loire river, spectacular with magnificent gardens, worth the bike ride!

08/09/2024

Enjoying the Loire Valley with Day 1 spent in the beautiful town of Blois. Day 2 enjoyed the bike ride to Amboise with a visit to the Chaumont Chateau along the way

04/09/2024

Roll on Summer!

03/09/2024

New requirements for travel to Bali, get in touch if you are travelling soon!

Indonesia has introduced a health declaration, called the Satu Sehat Health Pass, which is now required for all travellers. Upon completing the form a QR code will be generated which must be displayed on arrival.

The Satu Sehat Health Pass can be completed prior to departure by visiting: https://sshp.kemkes.go.id/

Travellers can also complete the Satu Sehat Health Pass on arrival, but this will delay your arrival process.

23/08/2024

Well done Air NZ

21/08/2024

U Entry Update
Travel to and from the European Union is set to change, as EU commissioner Ylva Johansson confirms a new Entry-Exit System will be in place from 10 Nov.

The automated IT system, which has faced many delays, will mean
passengers travelling to the EU will no longer get their passport
stamped.
The system registers travellers from third countries, including short-stay visa holders and visa exempt travellers, each time they
cross an EU external border.
. . Faster For Kiwis
For all passengers from outside the EU, Johansson says it will make
travel easier, and border checks gradually faster

The commissioner has also confirmed that ETIAS are to go live in 2025, offering travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for people from 60 visa free countries.

24/07/2024

Another happy adventure for our client to Alaska on Norwegian Cruise Line. We are so pleased you had a wonderful time Ann.

13/07/2024

This is a wonderful service.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower serves as an effective support tool for people with non-visible disabilities when travelling, particularly when used at the airport. There are 245 airports in 35 countries, and 17 airlines that are Sunflower members. 🌻

Staff are trained to recognise the Sunflower and to offer kindness, patience and understanding. It is important to note that the Sunflower does not offer or guarantee fast-tracked service or boarding.

If you want to learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, or want to order a Lanyard or a different product to display the Sunflower, visit: https://hdsunflower.com/au/

Here you will also find a map of places that support people with invisible disabilities, some of which you can also receive a Lanyard for free.

12/07/2024

Great idea for the kids birthday or Christmas!

12/07/2024

Yet another thing to remember 😀

🛑PSA: Cordless GHDs Can’t Fly 🛑

A caution to those with the ghd cordless hair straighteners—you can no longer fly ex New Zealand with these modern marvels. 🚫😞🚫

Due to a change in AvSec guidelines the cordless ghds are no longer permitted in carry-on or checked baggage because they do not have a travel mode.

However, for those with the Dyson cordless version—you are still all good to pop these in your carry-on bag as they do have a ‘flight mode’.

The friendly folk at Aviation Security Service - AvSec are being as accommodating as possible—& travellers may be able to pick up their straighteners on their return to New Zealand.

PS: And yes all trip pics will now feature a hat! 🤪😂

09/07/2024

This is great news for those China stopovers!

Great news! Last week China introduced a Visa Free policy for New Zealand Passport holders travelling to China from now to December 31, 2025.

The Visa Free policy applies to those travelling for business, tourism, family visits, and transit purposes, staying no more than 15 days.

18/06/2024

Sometimes all the hard work is worth it!
A lovely thank you from appreciative clients.

07/06/2024

Get in touch if you fancy a Bali break 😄

The news we love on a Friday! 🌴