But this year tour operators in-the-know, such as Denver based Africa Adventure Consultants, have exciting new safari options to share in the country of Zambia. Long passed over for the luxurious safari lodges of South Africa and the wide-open plains of Eastern Africa, Zambia is now coming into its own as a truly wild African safari destination. The country is home to the famous Victoria Falls, the rugged South Lungua National Park and up-and-coming Kafue National Park, the largest protected park in Zambia, and is predicted to be Africa’s hot new destination in 2009.

“Zambia is one of Africa’s best kept secrets,” says African expert Kent Redding, President of Africa Adventure Consultants, “it is less-charted territory that is still really wild. In the past few years we’ve seen a significant amount of investment in the safari lodges there, so the overall experience is quite comfortable and more importantly, free of the crowds that plague certain parts of Africa. I am confident that my clients are going to be choosing this destination for 2009!”

Leading a collection of new safari programs to Zambia for 2009, is Africa Adventure Consultants’ Animals in Action Safari.

 This adventure brings travelers face-to-face with Africa’s largest hippo concentration. Aside from some of Africa’s best wildlife viewing, travelers spend their days alongside true experts in safari guiding, conservation and African wildlife including Lex Hes: wildlife photographer and author of Leopards of Londolozi and many others, Michael Lorentz: naturalist and elephant conservationist, Phil Berry: former park warden and giraffe expert, Derek Solomon: seasoned safari guide and author, Manda Chisanga: knowledgeable guide and expert on traditional medicinal plants. This unique, one-time-only safari takes place in November 2009.

After returning from a recent assessment of Zambia, Africa Adventure Consultants’ Kent Redding has decided to add Lower Zambezi National Park to several existing itineraries for 2009.

This remote region is not only a great place for game drives but travelers can also take part in fascinating walking and most appealing canoeing, boating and fishing safaris. “With an expert guide and a cooler full of cold drinks, you can float down the Zambezi fishing for tiger fish, which can reach up to 15 pounds or more and are really great fighters. Otherwise, try for the smaller bream,” adds Kent Redding. “The Lower Zambezi is truly an inimitable experience.” Africa Adventure Consultants also plans to launch additional exciting Zambia-based itineraries in early 2009.

 Denver-based African safari expert Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Victoria Falls and Ethiopia.

The company sells destinations they know personally and offer guests assurance of strong on-the-ground partnerships with only the best local companies. Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes. And now, the company runs a completely carbon neutral office in Denver and is further committed to carbon neutral safaris by automatically offsetting 50% of each African trip they sell as well as offering clients the opportunity to offset the remaining 50%. With an eye on personal service, the principals create carbon neutral safaris and customized trips for individuals and small groups.

To learn more, please call 1.866.778.1089.

The Royal Treatment, priced from $6,999, includes 13 days of African culture, nature, wine, safari and pampering in boutique hotels and lodges; three nights at the picturesque Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town; a full-day Cape Peninsula tour; two nights at the La Residence boutique hotel in Franschoek in the historic Cape Winelands; a half-day tour of Stellenbosch with wine tasting; breakfasts at The Twelve Apostles and La Residence; two nights at the exclusive Birkenhead House, high above the cliffs in the whale-watching haven of Hermanus; private wine tour at Bouchard Findlayson; breakfasts, lunches and dinners while at Birkenhead House and three nights at the luxurious Royal Malewane Safari Lodge and Spa in a private game reserve at the edge of Kruger National Park;

safari game drives while at Royal Malewane; one-hour spa treatment at lodge; hot-air balloon ride at lodge (if booked by Jan. 31, 2009); breakfasts, lunches and dinners while at Royal Malewane; meet-and-greet upon arrival in South Africa, including assistance through immigration and customs, as well as transfers. South African Airways Vacations offers vacation options for all budgets, with experts on hand to ensure its clients experience the vacation of their dreams.

SAA Vacations, a division of South African Airways, offers a wide array of affordable luxury packages to Africa utilizing the airline’s route network to create packages throughout South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. South African Airways, the most awarded airline to Africa, features the only nonstop service from the U.S. to South Africa with daily departures from Washington as well as daily direct service from New York that offer travel convenience and award-winning service.

For more vacation packages to Southern Africa, call 888-722-4872 or visit www.flysaavacations.com

The company has the largest online database of specialty tour operators and is the new “go to” resource for vacationers who don’t want to do online research for hours on end to find the right adventure tour operator for their needs. VoyageTrek does all the work and provides qualified recommendations or “vacation match results” based on their research, word-of-mouth investigation, on-site visits, and tour operator interviews. Trips to Alaska, select fly fishing lodges, and dude ranches throughout the western United States are some of the top vacation match-making requests.

 Recent expansions include African safaris, Galapagos Islands cruises, trips to Peru’s Machu Picchu or Ecuador, and tours throughout South America, starting with Argentina.

Log on to learn more at www.voyagetrek.com

The company’s new Hands On Adventures will enable travellers – including families - to spend two or three days directly involved in community-based or conservation projects around the globe as part of their longer holiday. Experiences on offer range from tracking bears and wolves in the mountains of Eastern Europe, to spending time in remote villages in a tsunami-affected region of southern Thailand.

Hands-on activity will be incorporated into adventure travel itineraries so travellers can provide practical help or support at the same time as enjoying a holiday exploring the highlights of the destination. Experiences will encourage interaction with locals, helping travellers really get under the skin of the culture.

“Our new Hands On Adventures bridge the gap between Voluntourism trips and holidays that simply provide financial support to worthwhile causes” explains Nicola McFarlane, product director at The Adventure Company.

She continues: “The Adventure Company has for many years promoted community-based tourism activities and donated money to responsible tourism projects through our charitable foundation, but feedback from our customers suggests they are keen to be more proactively involved. The key to our Hands On Adventures is ensuring a significant amount of time is dedicated to practical assistance, giving greater fulfilment to the traveller and tangible contributions to the chosen projects.”

 The Adventure Company is offering Hands On Adventures in eight countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America in 2009. The trips include seven family itineraries – some suitable for children as young as five – to inspire in children an interest in responsible tourism, foreign cultures and lifestyles.

Hands On Adventures are broadly divided into two areas - wildlife conservation and community projects – and are offered in both the Worldwide Adventures and stand-alone Family Adventures brochures.

On most trips, hands on activity will vary, to focus on tasks that need assistance at the time. Therefore, one group visiting an orphanage may spend their time in the classroom, teaching children, while a group the following month might be tasked with redecorating dormitories or constructing new beds for the children. This flexibility is to ensure the help provided by travellers is as beneficial as possible.

Examples of The Adventure Company’s new Hands On Adventures include:

Family Hands On Adventures:

Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica and Panama – This family trip allows travellers to get up close to the leatherback and green turtles that inhabit the Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica. Take part in turtle patrols – protecting the nests, hiding them from poachers and helping to measure and tag turtles – all of which helps to preserve the fragile ecosystem. Crossing into Panama, families will spend time on the palm-fringed island archipelago of Bocas del Toro as well as exploring the lush Panamanian Highlands of Boquete.
Minimum age: 5 years.

 Namibian Community Encounter – Families will spend two days in a community-based tourism project run by San bushmen in the northeast of Namibia. Learning to track wild animals and gather bushfood will be some of the tasks at hand to support the efforts of the local communities to preserve their knowledge and heritage. Other highlights of this 17-day trip include wildlife encounters at Etosha and the red desert dunes of Sossusvlei. Minimum age: 5 years.

Worldwide Hands On Adventures (aged 18+):

Bear Tracking in the Tatras Mountains – Work alongside researchers to track bears and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Travellers will visit areas that are otherwise closed to tourism, accompanied by expert rangers. Between walks in the mountains there is plenty of time to explore the local area and visit the city of Krakow.

Rural village living in Thailand – Make a positive contribution to the lives of a rural village community, teaching English, helping in the community garden, taking part in beach clean-ups or even just going to market to buy provisions. Elsewhere, enjoy jungle trekking, river tubing (in season), an optional elephant ride and the beautiful beaches of Koh Phangnan.

Otter rehabilitation in Guyana – Help with the rehabilitation of giant river otters, getting involved with the daily feeding and care whilst staying at the Karanambu Ranch. Other wildlife encounters will be found on a three-day canoe excursion along the Burro Burro River, while there is also the chance to spot elusive jaguar from a canopy walkway through the jungle.

The Adventure Company is offering seven Hands On Adventures in its new Family Adventures brochure and six Hands On Adventures in its Worldwide Adventures brochure. All departures are scheduled for 2009.

All of The Adventure Company’s trips can be booked direct.

To request copies of the 2009 Adventure Company brochures (out 3rd October 2008), please visit www.adventurecompany.co.uk  or telephone 0845 609 0889.

Alternatively, view a range of Hands On Adventures online by visiting www.adventurecompany.co.uk and clicking on ‘Hands On Adventures’ in the Adventure Inspiration box; or by following this link:

Zambia is definitely the rising star of the African travel industry, Redding said. With new properties, remote game reserves and specialist safari guides, in-the-know safari operators like Africa Adventure Consultants can now offer a true wild Africa experience. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe may be coming back on the radar when it comes to African safaris, following word of the power-sharing agreement among the politicians there. Soon the country may be in a position to rebuild and flourish and the entire African travel industry anxiously awaits its rebirth. And as domestic airfare prices soar in 2009, air travel to Africa is still affordable. With new flight routes to Africa being added all the time, prices should remain affordable well into 2009. As the American economy faces some of its greatest challenges since the Great Depression, even luxury travelers are branching out and demanding more value for their travel dollars. Many travelers are seeking out destination specialists, such as Africa Adventure Consultants, who can help them plan an itinerary that is an outstanding travel experience but at less overall cost.

Denver-based African safari expert Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Victoria Falls and most recently, Ethiopia.

The company sells destinations they know personally and offer guests assurance of strong on-the-ground partnerships with only the best local companies. Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes.

The company runs a completely carbon neutral office in Denver and is further committed to carbon neutral safaris by automatically offsetting 50 percent of each African trip they sell as well as offering clients the opportunity to offset the remaining 50 percent.

With an eye on personal service, the principals create carbon neutral safaris and customized trips for individuals and small groups.

For information, call 866-778-1089 or visit www.adventuresinafrica.com

In East Africa, the company has introduced a twist on the typical safari with its new Essence of Tanzania adventure, which combines a fully-supported mobile camp (with ensuite toilets) in the best game parks with a unique and unforgettable cultural experience. There is game viewing: elephants (and baobab trees) in Tarangire and tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara, as well as
up-close encounters with the ‘big five’ in Ngorongoro Crater and the nearby private conservation area. The Serengeti is the site of the greatest animal migration on earth, and the flexibility of the mobile camp ensures the best possible wildlife viewing.

But perhaps the greatest highlight of the trip is spending time with the Hadzabe Bushmen, Tanzania’s oldest tribe and nomadic hunter-gatherers thought to be related to the San people of the Kalahari. Very few tourists have had the opportunity to visit their village and join in a hunt. The 11-day Essence of Tanzania tour departs from Kilimanjaro Airport monthly between June
and March and costs $5335 per person, twin share, including accommodation, transport, Peregrine leader, most meals, park entry fees and domestic flight.

In Southern Africa, Peregrine has introduced two, eight-day adventures that can be combined to form the 15-day Botswana and Zambia Discovery tour. For wildlife enthusiasts, this is the ultimate trip, combining private game reserves and some of Africa’s best-known game parks.

The trip starts at Victoria Falls and heads to remote Kafue National Park for two full days on the watch for lion, leopard and antelope. The South Luangwa National Park has one of the richest concentrations of game in Africa – including huge pods of hippos.

Heading into Botswana, first stop is Chobe National Park before the vast, arid expanse of the Makgadikgadi salt pans (for quad bike exploring) en route for the Khwai River region, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve – where spotting the ‘big five’ is virtually guaranteed! Botswana’s most famous attraction is left until the end: the magnificent, tranquil waterways of the Okavango Delta, where motorised transport is traded for the peace of a paddled canoe (mokoro).

The 15-day Botswana and Zambia Discovery tour departs Victoria Falls every three weeks between June and October and costs $8895 per person, twin share, including all transport, entry fees, accommodation, leader and domestic flight.

The cost of all Peregrine trips includes carbon off-setting the land and domestic air portion of
the trip. For further information call your travel agent or Peregrine Travel Centre on 1300 854
500. Download a .pdf of the new Africa brochure or watch a video of Peregrine’s African adventures at www.peregrineadventures.com

• Quad Bike Adventure on Madagascar – Take advantage of our introductory offer if you travel before the end of November. A new 9 night itinerary, this quad adventure takes you along the west coast between Morondava and Tulear. Highlights en route include bivouacking on the Magoky River, crossing the dunes and exploring the coral reef at Ifaty. Prices from £1,950.00 per person (valid until 30 November 08, excluding international flights).

• Kenya Migration & More – Travel in October and get two free nights. The 9 night itinerary includes 3 in the Masai Mara, 3 in Meru National Park and 3 in Laikipia.

This trip combines migration hunting in the Masai Mara, escaping the crowds in Meru - the least visited of Kenya’s national parks and reserves, and home of Elsa the lioness in the film, Born Free - with untamed adventure amongst the 24,000 acres of wild bush that is the vast Laikipia plateau. Priced from £2,330.00 per person (excluding international flights, valid for travel in October 08 only).

• Wild West Tanzania – Enjoy one of the wildest and most remote safari experiences in the world combined with some of the best primate viewing in East Africa. Travel to Chada Katavi Camp in Katavi National Park and Greystoke Mahale Camp in Mahale National Park before 20 December 08 and receive a discount on accommodation plus money off flights between Arusha and Katavi / Mahale. Prices from £2,995.00 per person for 8 nights (excluding international flights, price valid 1 November to 20 December 08).

• Botswana Mobile Camping Safari – Join this schedule departure for a substantial last minute saving. Our 10 day / 9 night safari starts from Maun on 31st October, taking in the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and Savuti National Park. Camping in private campsites you will be escorted by a guide and camp crew for a truly authentic tented safari, sleeping under the African stars. The price for this trip is £1,695.00 per person (valid for 31st October departure only, excluding international flights. Arrangements starting in Maun and ending in Kasane).

Why go now?

• Madagascar: For some sunshine! Madagascar enjoys year round sunshine, with the west coast at its driest May to December. Go west to enjoy turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, luxuriant flora and amazing fauna.

• Kenya: Kenya has been one of Africa’s most popular destinations for both first timers and experienced safari goers alike. Despite a dent in the tourism industry in the aftermath of the 2007 elections Kenya is once again very much a top safari spot. The Migration is still in the Masai Mara and October is a beautiful, warm month across the whole country.

• Western Tanzania: Highlights include heavily concentrated game in September as the water dries up, a great month for watching lions hunt. October is hot and dry, look out for the amazing sight of crocs and hippos piled up around the waterholes.

November is going into the ‘short rains’ but the dusty haze of the drier months is replaced by clear skies, excellent for photography. In December you can enjoy hot, sunny days with the rivers flowing once more and game collecting along the banks.

• Botswana: Despite November being the start of the southern Africa wet or ‘green’ season, the rains don’t begin in earnest in northern Botswana until late December. Expect a few short, sharp showers but enjoy warm weather, blue skies and fantastic game viewing with far fewer people. This is also an excellent time for birding.

For further information visit www.zambezi.co.uk

From the mist over the Sossusvlei dunes to the shimmer of Etosha’s salt pan, Namibia is one of Africa’s best self-drive safari destinations. The roads are good and relatively traffic-free, with excellent accommodation offered at a wide variety of wilderness lodges, hotels and guesthouses.

 After picking up their hire car in Windhoek, travellers drive to the Namib Desert for a two-night stay. At Kulala Desert Lodge, there are remarkable opportunities to photograph the huge Sossuvlei Dunes in the clarity of the early dawn light.

At Kulala, thatch provides shade during the day, whilst at night guests may choose to sleep under the stars on specially-constructed aerial platforms.

An interesting drive through the central section of the Namib Desert leads to the characterful seaside town of Swakopmund. From here, visit flamingo-filled lagoons, see the ancient Welwitschia Plants, extraordinary plants which rank among the top ten list of ‘most bizarre plants on earth’, or perhaps take a scenic flight along the coast. Leaving Swakopmund, head north to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s top game parks, supporting vast herd of wildebeest, Burchell’s Zebra, Springbok and Gemsbok in addition to Black Rhino and Cheetah.

Even in Etosha driving around is easy with roads all navigable in a normal 2WD car.

The tour costs from £2,695 p/p including flights, 2WD-car hire, some meals and guided activities.

Upgrades to a 4WD vehicle are available from £495.

Wildlife Worldwide
0845 130 6982
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Cox & Kings Launches New 2009 Africa Brochure Including New Tailor-Made Safari Options Throughout The Continent.

The world’s longest established travel company, Cox & Kings, has launched its new Africa brochure for 2009, featuring escorted group tours, private journeys and tailor-made itineraries throughout Africa.

Cox & Kings has reported a dramatic increase in tailor-made travel to Africa in the last year, with 41% more passengers travelling on independent, bespoke itineraries in 2008 than in 2007. Africa Product Manager, Louise Stanion, explains: “People are feeling a lot more confident about devising their own itineraries in Africa with input from our experts, and tend to have a greater knowledge of the destinations they want to visit. Clients are increasingly venturing away from the traditional tourist trails to see lesser-known sights and with our flexible and comprehensive tailor-made programme there is very little that travellers cannot do or see.”

In response to the recent growth in tailor-made travel, Cox & Kings has greatly expanded its coverage of the bespoke opportunities within its Africa brochure. “While we could not begin to demonstrate all of the options available, the new tailor-made sections in the brochure serve as a taster of what is available in each region.”

The fastest growing group tour of the year has been Mali: The Road to Timbuktu, with 80% more passengers travelling than in 2007. Stanion says “We are very excited to see some lesser-known countries at the top of the growth charts for Africa, and particularly Mali, which has, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating cultures in all of Africa. The standard of facilities and service throughout the country is still very basic but, while standards of accommodation and service are gradually being raised, this is not the reason that people visit.” The tour, which takes in the key sites of this little-known country, including Bamako, Timbuktu, the mud mosques and markets of Djenné and the villages of the spectacular Dogon Escarpment, costs from £2,295 per person.

In January 2009, Cox & Kings is offering a special departure of its Mali: The Road to Timbuktu group tour to coincide with the Festival on the Niger. Departing 27th January, this unique departure includes two extra days in Segou and entrance to the colourful event, which features traditional and contemporary Malian music, dance and river races. The tour costs from £2,895 per person.

Asked her predictions for travel trends in 2009, Stanion forecasts further growth in the tailor-made sector, and requests for more unusual destinations and experiences. “On a tailor-made holiday in Africa, visitors can have some truly unique and memorable once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from elephant-backed safaris and photography tours in Zambia, to cooking demonstrations in South Africa and sleeping al fresco on moveable beds in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau. With greater exposure in the brochure of what is on offer, I think we will see a increased demand for these exclusive encounters.”

NEW: South Africa: Wildlife & Wine (Page 19): Ideal for second-time visitors to South Africa and those looking to get away from the beaten path, this self-drive private journey offers a chance to learn about the wildlife, wine and rock art of this spectacular country, as well as meeting the local South African people. The 10-night tour features hand-picked, luxury accommodation and costs from £2,895 per person.

NEW: Boutique South Africa (Page 21): This nine-night self-drive private journey combines two outstanding game reserves with the Garden Route and Cape Town, and includes small luxurious boutique hotels and wildlife camps that have been hand-picked for their unique features and highly personalised service. Travel during the low season between May and September to benefit from greatly reduced rates. Prices from £2,495 per person.

NEW: Namibia in Style (Page 32): Travel in style on this fly safari over the remote deserts and rugged landscapes that make Namibia one of the world’s most spectacular wilderness destinations. Visit the dunes of Sossusvlei, search for the desert elephant in Damaraland, and experience the wildlife of Etosha National Park. The nine-night private journey costs from £4,395 per person.

NEW: Botswana Explorer (Page 37): This new nine-night camping safari travels through some of Africa’s greatest wildlife viewing areas: the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Staying in luxurious tented camps, groups are restricted to a maximum of six guests and are accompanied by an expert CC Africa safari guide throughout. Prices from £3,495 per person.

NEW: Madagascar Tailor-Made: Madagascar Classic Camping (Page 48): New for 2009 is a luxurious camping experience at Mandrare River Camp, set in the grounds of a colonial plantation house on the banks of the Mandrare River. Wildlife is abundant in this area, including four species of lemur and at least 25 resident bird species. Three-night packages from £1,095 per person.

NEW: Zambia Tailor-Made: Lower Zambezi National Park (page 43): On the banks of the Zambezi, opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, the Lower Zambezi National Park has 120kms of river frontage and features numerous islands, lagoons and floodplains, which attract most of the area’s wildlife. Chiawa Camp accommodates just 16 guests in eight spacious and luxurious tents. Safari activities include morning and evening game drives, guided bush walks, canoeing and aqua safaris aboard comfortable pontoon boats. Prices from £340 per person per night, all inclusive.

NEW: Rwanda Tailor-Made: Gorilla Tracking (Page 54): Gorilla tracking in Rwanda makes an ideal extension to a Kenyan safari or can be combined with other activities in this small and fascinating country. Visit Volcanoes National Park and stay at Gorilla Mountain View Lodge for gorilla tracking activities and visits to the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo. A three night stay costs from £1,075 per person, inclusive of meals and activities.

NEW: Kenya Tailor-Made: Shaba National Reserve (Page 54): Shaba National Reserve was made famous for its association with well-known conservationists Joy and George Adamson, and the film Born Free. Cox & Kings is able to organise stays at Joy’s Camp, built on the site of Joy Adamson’s tented home. Resident wildlife includes elephant, lion, buffalo, oryx, reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra. The camp is ideal for discerning guests looking for an authentic wildlife experience. Prices from £220 per person per night, all inclusive.

NEW: Tanzania Tailor-Made: Serengeti Under Canvas (Page 60): Cox & Kings offers stays at CC Africa’s luxurious ‘roaming camps’ in the Serengeti. The location of the four camps has been carefully plotted to coincide with the great annual wildebeest migration. Prices from £325 per person per night, all inclusive.

While Kiwi travellers might be forgiven for feeling slightly daunted by the weakening New Zealand Dollar, Korea, India and Thailand are among a handful of countries whose currencies offer even better value against the New Zealand Dollar than a year ago.

Expedia.co.nz™, subsidiary of Expedia, Inc., the world’s leading online travel company, in conjunction with foreign exchange specialist HiFX, has highlighted the destinations where the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) offers the best value compared to 12 months ago.

The Expedia Foreign Exchange Index™ shows that the New Zealand Dollar is now 11 per cent stronger against the South Korean Won, almost 9 per cent stronger against the Indian Rupee, more than 6 per cent stronger against the Thailand Baht, 5 per cent stronger against the British Pound and just over 3 per cent stronger against the South African Rand.

Arthur Hoffman, Managing Director Expedia Asia Pacific, says: “It is extremely encouraging to see that there are still great international travel destinations which offer good value for Kiwi travellers.”

“The good news is that three of the five countries now cheaper for Kiwi travellers are located in Asia, only a few hours’ travel time from New Zealand. While Thailand and India are already popular travel destinations for New Zealanders, there is now a great opportunity for Kiwis to discover Korea, a relatively unknown destination.”

“What is pleasantly surprising also is that Britain, a destination usually considered expensive for New Zealanders, is now more affordable thanks to favourable inter-currency movements recently. In fact, the UK was the third most popular international travel destination amongst Expedia.co.nz customers in the past year.”

Further afield, South Africa and Namibia, neighbouring countries in Southern Africa, also offer good value right now.

“With a selection of some great travel destinations at even better value for the Kiwi Dollar than last year, and with the internet making it easier and quicker than ever to book a holiday or short break, it is still a good time for New Zealanders to travel abroad,” Hoffman concluded.

best value New Zealand Dollar destinations:

(1) South Korea

Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)

South Korea is a country of juxtaposition, with massive modern cities and breathtaking countryside. Korea’s capital, Seoul, is the second largest metropolitan city in the world while mountains cover around 70% of Korea’s land mass, making it one of the most mountainous counties in the world.

Get in touch with your spiritual side at a luxury mountain spa retreat that won’t stretch the piggy bank, or head off on a wilderness trek to some of the world’s largest temples. Enjoy some Korean opera in Jeollanam-do or explore the national parks along the magnificent southern coast. In the summer, Gangwon-do boasts fine tropical beaches, while in winter the region boasts some of the finest skiing spots on the mountain slopes.

Be sure you don’t miss the central province with its spectacular lakes surrounded by breathtaking forests and sky-reaching mountains. Take some time in a local Korean Folk village to learn the art of ceramics and experience the hospitality of the Koreans.  More information: www.visitkorea.or.kr

(2) India

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

Colour is the drug of India that has become an addiction for many travellers in this vast and diverse country. Your senses are tantalised by the sights, sounds and flavours of India, from the mountainous Himalayas to the southern beaches and vibrant hustle and bustle of the cities.

Nothing in India is predictable; prepare for a country that is developing at a record speed and brace yourself for experiences that you’ll have to see to believe. Whether you’re after a rugged wilderness retreat, a fast paced city, or a spiritual awakening, India has it all.

More information: www.incredibleindia.org

(3) Thailand

Currency: Thai Baht (BHT)

Thailand attracts more tourists each year than any other country in Southeast Asia, which is no surprise given its combination of delicious cuisine, friendly hospitality, spirituality, tropical beaches and adventure activities, all available on a shoestring budget.

If you’re keen for some tropical relaxation, head south to the popular Phuket which boasts all levels of accommodation or jump over to the small island of Koh Samui with its renowned party atmosphere. Alternatively head north to Chiang Mai for some fast paced adventure activities from elephant rides, tiger encounters, mountain trekking and waterfall rafting.

More information: www.tourismthailand.org

(4) United Kingdom

Currency: British Pound (GBP)

For travel-savvy New Zealanders, the UK certainly needs no introduction. While the capital London is great any time of the year, your best chance of good weather for travelling around the country is at the height of summer (July and August), and it’s also the time who you can expect the highest prices. However, perhaps the New Zealand dollar’s 5.4% strengthening against the Pound in the last year might help take the sting out of an otherwise expensive holiday destination.

More information: www.visitbritain.co.nz

(5) South Africa & Namibia

Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)

As Africa’s most diverse and tourist friendly travel destination, South Africa offers the visitor literally a world in one country. South Africa is a world class destination with an excellent road infrastructure, vibrant cities and culturally rich ‘townships’ mixed with superb beaches, breathtaking mountain ranges, forests, desserts and of course some of the world’s finest game reserves.

The South African Rand is also legal tender in neighbouring Namibia and with an average of 300 days per year of sunshine and an easy hop from South Africa, it’s easy to see why tourists love Namibia. This country has rich natural landscapes, including the massive dunes of the Namib Desert, modern infrastructure and diverse culture with many eco-tourism opportunities also available.

More information: www.southafrica.net  / www.namibiatourism.com.na

Typically you get more for your Dollar if you buy the local currency once you have arrived at your destination

Don’t exchange your money for the local currency at the first available exchange as you arrive at the destination - shop around to get the best rate
Make the most of local cuisine as it will be better value and more likely to be better quality than Western style food

Take advantage of what the destination has to offer e.g.:

• India – fantastic variety of silks

• Thailand – made to measure tailoring

• South Africa – luxury resorts and Safari lodges

Book your accommodation and local activities in advance to benefit from the current favourable exchange rates, which can fluctuate unexpectedly