Border update from Buzz at the House of Travel
Hello
It’s been wonderful to catch up with many of our customers over the past few weeks and to be back creating holiday experiences to two destinations that have always captured the attention of Kiwi travellers – the beautiful laid-back Cook Islands and the wonderfully diverse experiences on offer across the ditch in Australia.
As vaccine rollouts progress and the world begins to tentatively travel again, I thought it may be of interest to share some first-hand travel experiences from the House of Travel team and updates on the travel landscape more generally.
Firstly, travel is certainly more complex, the government requirements, forms and app downloads can be challenging to navigate – our customers have certainly appreciated the assistance we can provide to help make this easy.
Australia
The Australian bubble has proved popular with many families reconnecting with family and loved ones initially and as the winter encroaches we’re busier with those keen to head away to warmer climes. What has come as a surprise is that popular Australian holiday experiences in 2021 are selling out! The Australian government has done a lot to encourage Australians to travel domestically including offering over 800,000 half price domestic airfares and the Australian domestic market has snapped them up. With the Australian Government taking a cautious approach to re-opening further international travel borders – as we have seen in New Zealand we expect that there will be more Australians travelling domestically than normal well into 2022.
If your travel goals include Broome and the Kimberley, Tasmania, Darwin & the Red Centre, Great Barrier & the Tropical North or epic rail journeys like The Ghan and Indian Pacific please talk to us now, even if you don’t plan to travel until 2022 – we are starting to see popular dates fill already by the Australian domestic market for 2022 with much of 2021 completely sold out!
The Gold & Sunshine Coasts are buzzing over weekends and accommodation providers are reporting that Christmas/New Year bookings have been very strong so come and have a chat sooner rather than later if you’re thinking of heading over.
We’ve had a few customers asking what the travel experience to Australia is like now, here’s a report back on the airport experience from our founder Chris Paulsen after his recent trip to the Gold Coast:
“Other than no queues, the check in and arrival process at airports was similar to pre- Covid but don’t expect all the stores and food outlets to be open in airports. Check in is non touch and departure cards are not needed. Not everyone was wearing masks in the airport when departing but mask wearing on board is compulsory but can be removed to eat and drink. Australian airports insist on masks being worn in the terminals. Children under 12 do not need to wear a mask. Make sure you check opening days/hours of restaurants as some are still operating on reduced times and definitely pre-book popular restaurants during the weekends – or you may be disappointed. The great news is the Gold Coast is alive again, restaurants and bars are busy, people are out and about enjoying the sunshine and the environment-things are back to normal."
The Cook Islands
Our regular travellers to the Cook Islands know popular accommodation options always fill fast. Villa options have been the first to be snapped up and it’s hard to find options during July especially over school holidays. Beautiful Aitutaki has been popular with 60% of our customers adding an Aitutaki stay to their Rarotonga holiday. With limited rooms available, I recommend you book early to avoid missing out. October and November are one of our favourite times to visit the Islands with our flexible booking options it’s a great time to secure your slice of paradise today.
Here’s what Danielle one of our first Hotties to touch down in the Cooks since borders opened had to share about her experiences (Hotties is what we call ourselves in House of Travel – HOT J):
The flight on the 789 Dreamliner was full. Breakfast was served. In the Cooks you must wear your mask while you wait in customs and through baggage claim. Families with young kids are prioritised as it can be a long wait. Resort restaurants are all open, some small food stalls and restaurants have limited operating days or hours, but the majority are open.
The whole island is now vaccinated. The market was busy and was nice to see the locals being supported. All sorts being sold, I bought some lovely local made chutneys and home baking treats, a painting, a dress for daughter and a fresh coconut to drink. The supermarket in town was busy and prices were reasonable, a camembert cheese was $5, a litre of uht milk $3, and a bag of chips $3 but lots of options for self-catering. With rental car places it's a lot quicker if you have pre-booked than turning up with just one staff and waiting!”
When you’re ready to travel Mike (Buzz) , Samantha and Talita will be waiting to help. As a locally owned and operated business we really appreciate your continued support.
225 Hobsonville Point Road , Hobsonville Point. 09 416 0700 hobsonville@hot.co.nz
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Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
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64% Yes
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33.4% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
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