I have access to a huge range of travel specials. Flights, cruises, tours, rental cars, hotels. I can book it all. If you run into the unexpected, call me.
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I’ll get it sorted. I’m a local, we can meet at a cafe or at your place, with no interruptions.
18/12/2022
As we wrap up the whirlwind of a year that was 2022, I'd like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!
Thank you to everyone who has supported and continues to support me. It has been so exciting to get back to planning your trips, whether they were big or small.
New Year sales are not quite what they used to be, but if you are looking for something in particular, give me a call, or reply to this email and I'll keep an eye out and let you know if any applicable specials hit my inbox.
Over the Christmas break, I will be keeping tabs on emails and the phone. Please bear with me if my response time is slightly longer than usual.
Here's to 2023 and getting back out into the world once again!
Kind regards,
Colin
phone: +64 6 348 2498
mob: +64 27 647 0767 [email protected]
10/11/2022
With just over a month until Christmas, 2022 is almost over, and what a busy year it has been. As we near a new year, we are also seeing the release of the 2024-2025 cruise seasons. One that is ever popular is Oceania Cruises Tropics and Exotics Collection, and their 2024-2025 sailings are no exception with a trove of possibilities for reconnecting with your spirit of adventure.
With more than 150 itineraries, featuring 123 cruises with overnight stays, and 70 Grand Voyages spanning the globe, there is something for everyone in this new collection. And regardless of which ship you sail on, you will discover an Oceania Cruises experience that is truly better than ever, featuring entirely re-inspired ships, re-imagined menus and inventive dishes, curated travel experiences, and more.
I have compiled some sailings which cover a variety of destinations and a wide range of days onboard, but there is so much more to choose from. If you have a particular destination you would like me to look at, or would just like more information on what is available, let me know!
It's great to see that we are close to a path back to travel that will make it much easier for travellers and those waiting to see their loved ones after a long time apart.
I have broken down some of the most recent changes that I think will make a big difference for travel in, out, and around New Zealand in the near future!
While we are still waiting for a better look and what the next steps are for international travel, I thought I would share some fantastic domestic trips that you can take in the meantime! There's something there for everyone, with some great active adventures, incredible views, along with plenty of time for relaxation. I have also included an incredible cruise sailing out of Auckland for those who have missed out on all the Pride celebrations that had to be cancelled the past couple of years!
And if you have a road trip coming up soon, then check out the article at the bottom of this newsletter which features the locations of some of the best-baked goods Aotearoa has to offer! Is anyone else suddenly famished?
Vaccine Certificates
Vaccination certificates are going to be a big part of international travel and everyday life very shortly. For those wanting to attend big events like musical festivals, or travel in or out of the country, you will need to prove you are vaccinated.
Everyone in New Zealand aged 16 and over can access their COVID-19 vaccination records online through a new website called My Covid Record. Soon, this will also be where you can download domestic and international digital vaccination certificates, and find your COVID-19 test results.
If you need proof of vaccination before the end of November, or you have travellers with you aged 12-15, you can request a letter from Ministry of Health which confirms your vaccination status – this can take up to 10 working days.
Air New Zealand has announced that not only would they be requiring all its international customers to be fully vaccinated starting from February, but also, from mid-December, if you are travelling on an Air New Zealand domestic flight you will need to prove you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of your departure.
The way this will be verified is still being finalised, but it has been indicated that it will use information from My Covid Record.
Managed Isolation
There have been a few updates to MIQ recently, one of the biggest being a change to the length of stays.
From the 14th of November, the managed isolation period for international arrivals into New Zealand will reduce from 14 days to 7 days, followed by isolation at home until the result of a day 9 test has been received.
This change will half the time and cost for travellers, with more flexibility coming in the first quarter of 2022, after our move to the new traffic light system. This should make it much easier for fully vaccinated travellers to come back into the country in the near future!
Cook Islands Travel Bubble
Finally one of the other big pieces of news was the announcement that the Cook Islands would reopen their borders from the 13th of January 2022. This is great news for the tourism operators over there, and the holiday-makers who have had their trips postponed when New Zealand went into lockdown.
There are a few changes on who will be able to travel with two new requirements, full vaccination and a negative pre-departure test, being introduced since the last period of quarantine free travel. Due to the vaccine only being currently available to those 12 and older, this does mean children 11 and below will not be permitted to enter the country at this stage.
15/10/2021
Discover why few nations capture the imagination like Aotearoa, a land boasting stunning vistas stretching as far as the eye can see and a charismatic cultural heritage like no other. Cap off your journey with sought-after calls in Australia.
With Oceania Cruises, you can sail to the far corners of the globe on their small, luxurious ships, but you’ll always feel like you’re coming home to family. Their personalized service means their staff and crew attend to your every request with a smile. From the moment you step on board, you’ll feel cared for and cared about because Oceania Cruise’s dedication to service comes from the heart.
Are you ready to reignite your passion for travel with Oceania Cruises?
Want to dust off your passport and head over to the Cook Islands?
You can find what you need to know in our update here: bit.ly/Kia-Orana-Cook-Islands
Colin Thompson
phone: 06 348 2498
mob: 027 647 0767
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Colin Thompson. NZ Travel Brokers
My lifelong interest in Travel started in my school days when geography was my favourite subject, when I could spend hours studying maps and learning where places were.
So when I started work in 1962 the obvious career path was in the travel industry, and so I was offered a position with Thomas Cook & Son within Selfridges Store in London’s Oxford Street, making this my 56th year in the travel business.
I have worked mainly in the retail side of travel although I have had experience in wholesaling, as well as having been involved in marketing and training, so I can offer you a lifetime of experience to help you with your travel needs.
I lived in the UK for many years so I have an extensive knowledge of most European destinations including personal experience of many countries including France, Holland, Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Denmark, and Norway. I have also made many trips to the USA & Canada including visits to Florida, New England, Chicago, California, Toronto, and Newfoundland. In Asia I have visited both Hong Kong and Singapore.
Having worked for a specialist Cruising Agency I have a great knowledge of this sector of the travel industry; and as well as cruising in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Norwegian Fjords, I have also visited many ships including the Pacific Dawn, the Oriana, Arcadia, and Queen Mary 2.
Because of my interest in Cruising I am operating the New Zealand Cruise Club. If you would like to become a member just click the link, and you will gain access to a regular newsletter, specials and club discounts we will be offering. Not being bound by office hours I am able to meet you at any time, and can visit you at your home or workplace to discuss your travel plans, but if this is not possible in the modern age of communication I can arrange your travel through email or by telephone.
My aim throughout my working life has always been to offer clients the best possible service, to be totally honest with my advice and make sure that my clients get the travel experience that best suits them.
