At Flight Centre our travel experts are more than just that, they're travellers too.
Visit your local Flight Centre for advice on where to go, what to do and how best to get there.
Meet some of our Travel Mates
Read the 2020 trends and destination blogs below for Tash and Rebekah's top picks on what to do and where to go!
Natasha Mayers - Flight Centre Hamilton
Countries visited: 33 | Favourite city: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Our Travel Experts like Tash are not only experts, they're travellers too. And they'll share their personal experience with you to help you get the most out of your next overseas trip.
Q: What’s new in travel in 2019?
A: 2019 is going to have 3 world cups which will be well worth traveling to. The Cricket World Cup hosted in England and Wales, the Netball World Cup hosted in Liverpool and the Rugby World Cup hosted in Japan.
Q: I'm a 'Foodie' and LOVE to try new restaurants. Do you have any hot spot suggestions?
A: Without a doubt, I would recommend 34 Restaurant in Mayfair, London. To start I had the ceviche of scallop, lobster, shrimp and bass and for my main the spiced spatch-cock chicken. They also have amazing cocktails from the in-house mixologist. Everything about the restaurant was divine!
Q: What’s your top bucket list experience?
A: I would fly with Etihad Airways and book the residence suite with unlimited fine dining and champagne. I’d want to travel through South Africa and Zimbabwe on a Luxury Gold tour as they offer the chance to sit on the summit of Table Mountain in Cape Town with a private drinks reception to watch the African sunset. Following this, I’d then head to Kruger National Park to spot the Big Five and go glamping in a luxurious lodge.
Q: What’s your Number 1 tip for all travellers?
A: Money comes and goes but memories last forever.
Logan Carr - Flight Centre Albany
Countries visited: 40 | Favourite city: Lisbon, Portugal
When it comes to travel, it's not what you know but who you know. Our Travel Experts like Logan can ensure your next trip is custom made just for you, at a price that fits your budget.
Q: What's new in travel in 2020?
A: There is an increasing amount of next generation aircraft's that are set to come along and change how we travel and the distances we can cover.
Q: What's your favourite thing to do in a new city/destination?
A: Nothing beats waking up early and going for a run to explore new surroundings before the crowds get there.
Q: What’s your top bucket list experience?
A: I would start with a trip to Canada and tick the Northern Lights off my bucket list before making my way across the border to visit every state in the U.S.A. Following this, I would begin winding down through every country in Central and South America, to finish with a cruise to Antarctica
Q: What's your top event/festival around the world in 2020?
A: Sziget is a yearly music festival in Budapest, and is one of the biggest in Europe.
Rebekah Ochiai - Flight Centre Hurstmere Road (Takapuna)
Countries visited: 20 | Favourite city: Venice
Our Travel Experts like Rebekah are not only experts, they're travellers too. And they'll share their personal experience with you to help you get the most out of your next overseas trip.
Q: What major cruise trends are you noticing for 2020?
A: With many new ships being released in the next few years, there is two things that are being focused on. New modern ideas of technology and also a big health and wellness push. For example Princess Crusies adding a Medallion Class on all their ships, and Royal Caribbean building "Spa Staterooms" on their latest ships.
Q: Are more people planning to cruise further afield or closer to home?
A: It's quite common for people to take their first cruise close to home to "test the waters", but then fall in love with it and build it into their bigger holiday plans.
Q: Are there any new or quirky destinations making an impact?
A: Expedition Cruises are becoming increasingly popular, so places like Antarctica, Galapagos and Easter Island are on people's bucket lists! The great thing about Small Ship cruising is they can get into smaller ports for more immersive experiences.
Q: What are your own cruise plans for the next year?
A: Next year I'm sticking close to home (so far!). I am travelling on a cruise around New Zealand with Dream Cruises in January, and a P&O Cruises 3 day break with family for my birthday. But seriously thinking of a cruise in Japan/South Korea sometime too.
Jason Berryman - Flight Centre Karori
Countries visited: 40 | Favourite Cruise port: Malta
Our Travel Experts like Jason are not only experts, they're also travellers too! They'll share their personal experience with you to help you get the most out of your next overseas trip.
Q: What are some of the benefits to a cruise?
A: It's convenient knowing that you'll have the opportunity to see multiple destinations as you cruise around, whilst only having to actually unpack once. You then get to eat, relax or be as active as you choose to be. I find that one of the more beneficial types of cruising is river cruising, as you can easily get off the ship in each port, with smaller crowds and explore what's on offer.
Q: We can't talk about cruise and not talk about food! How does the food on a cruise ship hold up?
A: The food on a cruise ship, is truly next level. You'll find that there's an endless amount of luxurious flavours and wonderful treats that you can indulge in. Plus, when you join a cruise line such as Oceania Cruises, you'll experience the finest cuisine at sea. In fact, their slogan is "savour the world with the finest cuisine at sea" which truly speaks for itself.
Q: What are some of the best new features arriving to ships in 2020 & beyond?
A: 2020 is an exciting time for cruising. Uniworld have recently announced that they're beginning voyages through the Amazon, which will be amazing. Plus, a new ship joining us 'down under' - P&O Cruises' Pacific Adventure is bringing new luxurious suites with an exclusive area they've dubbed the 'Byron Beach Club'. This exclusive area boasts its own private pool, whirlpool spas, and stunning ocean views.
