Maree Downey - The Travel Brokers

14/05/2024

22/03/2024

Exclusive deal for Royal Caribbean.... for those of you who would like to sail close to home

22/03/2024

Could this be your way to see the world?

Embark on a journey of discovery with Trafalgar Tours, Insight Vacations or Costsaver and experience the wonders of the UK and Europe. From the charming villages of the English countryside to the historic streets of Rome and Barcelona, these expertly crafted tours offer a perfect mix of iconic sights and hidden gems. With knowledgeable Travel Directors, handpicked accommodations, and immersive experiences, you'll get to experience the most of each destination. Let Trafalgar, Insight Vacations or Costsaver take care of all the details while you soak in the culture, history, and beauty of Europe. Book before 27 March to receive a flight credit with your tour, up to $2,250.
👉 bit.ly/43xGsZ9

22/02/2024

A fabulous ( but very hot) day for us at Universal. From what I could gauge a mid week entry was "relatively" quiet for crowds, so I'f you are an avid ride junky...Id recommend this. Our kids spent spent the whole day riding with wait times from 5 minutes to 30 max. Needless to say they took around 20+ rides. My husband and I enjoyed slightly lower speed rides and shows!!!The shops are beautifully air conditioned along with eateries- hence the only places you can find reprive from the heat.
Highly recomended place to visit with teenage young adults and those more mature who are happy to put their bodies up against the G forces🤣.
Big day completed with a dip in the pool around 10pm.

21/02/2024

Here we are back in Singapore. Staying at the beautiful Singapore Sentosa.
We were treated with a delicious " celebration cake awaiting us in our room( for our anniversary)- 2 well appointed spacious rooms. They are very large, showcasing unusual and quirky pieces of art work, lovely soft furnishings. Making for a luxurious stay - topped off in a stunning location.
The rest of our day was spent cooling of at the Sentosa waterpark. A worthwhile day riding the waterslides, snorkeling in the tropical fish arena and relaxing in the wave pool and lazy river.
We will make the most of our 2 night stay here. Tomorrow...Universal Studios.

18/02/2024

Koh Samui - what a beautiful Island. Pristine warm water, fine white sand...and great food.
We enjoyed a tender ride in from the ship, A spot of paddling in the beautiful water, shopping for souvenirs & finishing off our afternoon with an authentic Pad Thai, Green curry & lots of ice cold drinks. We could definitely return to this beautiful paradise.

18/02/2024

A busy day visiting Wat Po
- Bangkok - Thailan

16/02/2024

Yesterday we experienced a 1/2 day tour which took us to various places on the outer skirts of Ho Chi min city...which included several Vietnam war military sights ( Kiwi, Australian and Vietnamese)
One visit let us experience a 50 metre underground Tunnel network Vietnamese soldiers used to live , work and fight from. The original tunnels were somewhat smaller and they had been slightly enlarged at the entrance to accommodate westerners!! ( Thankfully for those who might feel claustraphobia)
A little bit exciting !! We live to see another day🙂

13/02/2024

The ports of call made so far on the journey...
Kuala Lumpur , Penang, Langkawi Island, & Phuket
We are nearing the end of 3 bumpy days at sea , arriving tomorrow in Vietnam...which we are all looking forward to.

10/02/2024

Diamond Princess.
She began operation in March 2004 and primarily cruises in Asia during the northern hemisphere summer and Australia during the southern hemisphere summer.
Length: 290.2 m (952 ft 1 in)
Launched: 12 April 2003
Capacity: 2,670 passengers
Crew: 1,100 crew
Decks: 13

Onboarding for Elite passengers is really fast. We experienced this in part- my phone ran out of battery just as we arrived at the terminal. 😳.(my family are not going to let me forget this!!) But after a quick charge in the " holding bay" I was able to get us on track us with relative speed.
Otherwise a Blue lane passenger ( which is where we would normally be)could expect up to 2- 3 hour check in process.

Shes an interesting boat.
Our cabin - A Mini suite- is generous for 2 people...tightish for 4 Adults( but workable)
Main sleeping area with TV, desk mini bar and large wardrobe/ storage area.
A Super king bed with TV. A good Lounge area with TV , 3 seater couch and 2 chairs. At night converts to :
Double fold out couch, and a single bed which folds down from the wall. ( long enough for our son who is 6 foot 2)
The bathroom has a shower over a full bath. Very generous counter top and the Japanese electric toilet- which is a lot of fun ( so long as you push the right buttons.🙂)
The private outdoor deck area is the biggest I've experienced.
Plenty of space for us to lounge.

The layout of the ship is much like other Princess ships. I was disappointed by Diamond Princess atrium area which is small and not as grand in comparison to Magestic Princess. It has a quirky flow and you can get caught on some floors depending on where you exit.
There are plenty of eating options and variety of entertainment from Jazz ensembles to Singing/ Dance productions.
Art auctions, quizzes, dance classes, numerous swimming pools, spas, Japanese onsen, library, casino, tabletennis tournaments...so there is plenty to do.
I do like the Medallion device - every passenger has one. It automatically opens your room door, and it is used for purchases etc ( cashless society)
Their app is also good for locating your family...when on board...or keeping up with whats happening activity wise.

08/02/2024

For those of you interested in Asia - I'm currently travelling through this region with my family.
Our first stop - Singapore.
This place never fails to dissappoint. Clean, well organized, friendly people and lots of great food.
The online entry visa system is very slick and from disembarking the aircraft to our transfer- all under an hour. Too easy.
Staying in the Bugis area of Singapore was new for me.
Handy to rail and walking distance to most major sights.
Mecure Hotel Bugis -
Friendly helpful staff. Smallish but clean rooms. Shopping mall right next door and plenty of eating out close by. Level 7 showcased an infinity type pool - lovely refuge from the busy streets. Good location to the Port - 15- 20 minutes Taxi ride.
Next port - Kuala Lumpur on
Diamond Princess.

01/02/2024

The beautiful Rocky Mountaineer

10/01/2024

Congratulations to all three of my very special clients who after a few months of planning their holiday- flew this week. My client who uses a wheelchair was lifted into his seat with a special hoist - and there he is looking quite comfortable. Well done to you all & A huge thank you to for looking after everyone so well.

20/12/2023

Wow- you heard it here first....United Airlines - Airfare NZ to Europe RETURN $1390.00!!
( conditions) Contact me if you want more info....

06/11/2023

.....Iconic Air NZ......on my way home!

06/11/2023

A free day to enjoy some of the onboard outdoor activities. It's a stunning day in Eden.

04/11/2023

It's our annual Travel Brokers conference and this morning I am sailing my way down the eastern coastline of Australia.
Many of you know I love cruising - and Princess line doesnt disappoint.
A few pictures to get you thinking if you'd like to wake up to a view like this😁👍

03/11/2023

Looking forward to flying our National Carrier to Australia today. It's been a while...

30/08/2023

Europe.....

19/07/2023

Its really great when a client takes the time to give you feedback for your work.Heres what one of my customers sent me this week......
Thank you so much Maree!
I cannot thank you enough for your services booking my trip and being very helpful answering my questions.
All my travel went very smoothly and I couldn’t have done it with such ease without you.
All the best,
Regards, B.

15/06/2023

Some Great deals on now...

01/06/2023

........"Viking"........
cruise with up to $2,000 flight credit per couple on 2024 or 2025 ocean voyages.

30/05/2023

"South East Asia"

24/05/2023

Thank you to my lovely client ( who travelled to Europe ) sent me this review....(on Travefy)
24/05/23

This is the first trip I have taken using the services of a travel broker.
I had the ideas and Maree "made it happen".

When a flight was cancelled, accommodation and car travel needed rebooking, Maree smoothed the waters (and my ruffled feathers) and quietly made the changes. Using the Trip Plans app, communications were prompt and clear. I would not hesitate to recommend Maree Downey as a travel arranger to anyone wanting professional advice and arrangements for their future travel.”

20/05/2023