2023 travel tips, advice and hottest destinations from experts and industry insiders

Want some recommendation and inspiration on your 2023 journey plans? We known as on our journey trade knowledgeable buddies to assist.

INTERNATIONAL

Bruce Poon Tip

What are the most well liked locations for 2023?

The most well-liked international locations
for Kiwis to e book proper now are Vietnam, Thailand, Peru, Egypt and Morocco. These locations are all nice worth for cash and culturally fascinating. It’s nice to see Kiwis getting additional away from dwelling after such prolonged lockdowns.

We’re additionally anticipating to see a robust comeback from Sri Lanka in 2023 following its financial disaster, and Turkey can also be pacing properly above common for earlier years. Each these locations are additionally superb worth for cash, with robust group tourism parts which is a development that continues to develop as journey returns for the higher.

What tendencies shall be making waves within the journey trade?

Worth for cash with the financial uncertainty on the planet. We’re seeing individuals in search of extra significant journey experiences too – and taking extra care to be taught the place their {dollars} are going following the pandemic pause. Individuals had time to replicate and to additionally see the impression their {dollars} have on their very own tourism economic system as they turned to exploring their very own yard.

What’s your greatest tip for Kiwi travellers eager to discover the world in 2023?

Guide now! Costs are glorious with Cyber Gross sales and shortly the January gross sales shall be out too. Lock in your home, as journey is coming again quick, particularly in the event you’re taking a look at Europe for subsequent New Zealand winter. It’s all the time a good suggestion to have one thing to stay up for.

Bruce Poon Tip is the founding father of G Adventures

Louise Levesque

What are the most well liked locations for 2023?

We’ve seen a dramatic improve in New Zealanders selecting to journey to Egypt – up some 31 per cent on pre-Covid journey. These Kiwis who’re exploring this once-in-a-lifetime vacation spot are selecting to take action in fashion and luxurious; we’ve seen a big improve in New Zealanders reserving journey on Perception Holidays premium guided excursions and Uniworld boutique river cruises.

The youth journey market is continuous to develop, with substantial quantities of Kiwis trying to journey to Greece. Contiki’s 11-day Greek Island Hopping tour is up 11 per cent for 2023 journey in comparison with pre-Covid journey.

Tradition and historical past is enjoying a giant half in the place persons are deciding to journey. We’re seeing an elevated curiosity in Portugal due to this – a nation with a proud historical past, warm-hearted locals and soul-warming delicacies.

What tendencies shall be making waves within the journey trade?

Travellers at the moment are making certain that they make journey matter, by selecting to journey with corporations that give again to native communities, and discover the lesser-known areas.

Due to elevated airfares, travellers are selecting to go for longer intervals of time – typically reserving multiple tour with us. We’re additionally seeing that while on journey, travellers are spending extra on non-compulsory and extra excursions. That is nice for the native and regional economies that excursions go to.

What’s your greatest tip for Kiwi travellers eager to discover the world in 2023?

Guide early to get the date that you really want, as journeys are promoting quick.

Louise Levesque is Normal Supervisor – Model at The Journey Company

Katrina Cole, Wendy Harrison, Antony Boomer, Paula Rhodes

What are the most well liked locations for 2023?

Among the lesser found states of Australia, particularly Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. In Asia, Borneo is a bit completely different however there’s heaps to see and do – seashores, orangutans, diving and nature. Japan and USA will even be large for Kiwis, as will bucket checklist locations comparable to Africa, Antarctica, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands.

What tendencies shall be making waves within the journey trade?

Utilizing a journey agent! To get probably the most out of utilizing one, get an appointment, carry a bucket checklist and use their experience. Additionally, you will obtain 24/7 assist while travelling.

Multi-generational household holidays are the most well liked development that we’ve seen rising out of Covid-19. They’re probably the most requested fashion of vacation we’re receiving. Households are travelling from completely different spots from world wide to easily be in a single place, altogether.

Small group journey can also be large – individuals need the security web, but additionally don’t wish to really feel like they’re travelling with a big group.

What’s your greatest tip for Kiwi travellers eager to discover the world in 2023?

Consider a finances then double it – journey is just not low-cost proper now and the change charge makes issues pricier. Maybe suppose forward to 2024 as an choice to make sure you get what you need.

Cruises are getting full as there’s restricted capability so to get the cabin you need, you want to e book early – 2025 programmes for some cruise traces are already out.

We extremely suggest prospects obtain the app of the airline they’re travelling with. Within the present local weather there are lots of schedule/time modifications and a few airways don’t talk these modifications to us inside 72 hours of flight departure. The quickest means you can be notified of any modifications is thru their app. As well as, you need to use the apps to check-in, choose your seat, entry your boarding cross, or handle your journey. You’ll additionally have the ability to keep updated with alerts about check-in, departure gate, boarding time, baggage carousel and extra.

Katrina Cole, Wendy Harrison, Antony Boomer and Paula Rhodes are consultants for Home of Journey

Michael Middleton

What are the most well liked locations for 2023?

Europe is on everybody’s bucket checklist and is our best-selling vacation spot, with the Greek Islands and Mediterranean a agency favorite. Island hopping via the Greek Islands is a must-do, getting to take in late sunsets, sitting in seaside eating places attempting native delicacies and sipping cocktails make it the best getaway. The historical past in Europe is one thing Kiwis may have missed and whether or not it’s your first time to Europe or you might be returning to a favorite metropolis, you’ll be able to’t assist however be in awe on the structure and historical past round each nook.

What tendencies shall be making waves within the journey trade?

Our vary of latest river and ocean cruise vacation packages are proving to be very talked-about with Kiwis, combining two cruises and typically, a scenic rail journey linking each. This permits cruisers to go to iconic cities alongside the Mediterranean shoreline in addition to the fabled cities and cities alongside Europe’s most beautiful rivers. That is merely one of the best ways to savour the abundance of historical past and tradition in Europe, all whereas having fun with the consolation and luxurious spoils supplied by state-of-the-art vessels.

What’s your greatest tip for Kiwi travellers eager to discover the world in 2023?

Lock within the change charge at your time of reserving to safe any pricing modifications. Cruising is one thing that’s unimaginable worth – taking you to a number of locations over a brief time frame so that you do get to discover extra and solely unpack as soon as. Many cruise traces additionally provide all-inclusive beverage packages making it an unbeatable vacation bundle when in comparison with a land-based vacation.

Michael Middleton is Normal Supervisor at MyCruises.co.nz

Lizzie Brett

What are the most well liked locations for 2023?

Australia and the South Pacific are good for a brief couple’s luxurious getaway or a straightforward vacation with kids. Australia appeals to a market who beforehand would have gone additional afield for experiential journey however could also be wanting one thing nearer to dwelling now – inside one flight from New Zealand you’ll be able to have a rainforest expertise, desert journey, keep in a luxurious lodge, go to a wellness retreat or view superb wildlife.

Kiwis trying to journey additional afield in 2023 say Canada, UK Europe and South America are a number of of many sizzling spots they’re planning to go to. The expanse and pure fantastic thing about Canada appeals to all outside adventurers, and its pleasant, trendy cities every have their very own distinct persona.

If you happen to’re an explorer, South America gained’t disappoint. With a ton of pure magnificence, misplaced empires and wealthy historical past, spend a while discovering and put this vacation spot in your bucket checklist.

Small-ship luxurious cruising is promoting quick, as are exploration cruises. Household-friendly cruises are action-packed with exercise choices for younger and outdated, and Disney Cruise is an thrilling addition to our shores, arriving later within the yr.

What tendencies shall be making waves within the journey trade?

With a few years of closed borders, Kiwis wish to journey, and so they wish to journey now! With an elevated price to airfares throughout the previous few months, they’re planning on longer period holidays to maximise worth and make their time away from dwelling extra memorable.

Kiwi travellers are extra aware of supporting native communities and moral journey.

Security protocols and cleanliness are additionally extra vital in our post-Covid world.

What’s your greatest tip for Kiwi travellers eager to discover the world in 2023?

Airline seats replenish quick, so it’s essential to safe your most popular dates for travelling earlier than you decide to excursions and abroad cruise departures. Journey brokers can provide you all the ideas and methods for the vacation spot you’re visiting, advising on the whole lot from finest native cafes to off-the-beaten-track locations to go to.

Lizzie Brett is advertising and marketing supervisor NZ at helloworld

Brett Mitchell

What are the most well liked locations for 2023?

Taking out fifth place on this yr’s Intrepid Journey Index, Morocco’s reputation will proceed to develop in 2023 as travellers search out extra adventurous locations. From camel rides via the Sahara to saffron-spiced tagines, the intersection of historical past, tradition and nice meals make Morocco a must-see vacation spot.

Because the continent that first closed its doorways to travellers in 2020, Asia journey is again. Whereas cult classics comparable to Japan and Vietnam will proceed to see robust curiosity from New Zealand travellers, I anticipate South Korea will see exponential progress in 2023.

What tendencies shall be making waves within the journey trade?

As consciousness round accountable journey grows, I count on the idea of undertourism will develop into extra extensively identified amongst travellers. I feel we’ll see individuals choosing extra off-the beaten-track adventures in locations the place their {dollars} can have a optimistic impression on the communities they go to.

What’s your greatest tip for Kiwi travellers eager to discover the world in 2023?

Journey is all about connecting with the individuals and locations you go to, so wherever you go, search for alternatives to immerse your self in tradition and group. You’ll meet native individuals and develop a higher appreciation for the world round you.

Brett Mitchell is managing director of ANZ at Intrepid Journey

David Coombes

What are the most well liked locations for 2023?

Definitely, the highest spot is Canada. Air Canada has lately returned to New Zealand providing nice flight offers. With the Kiwi greenback, Canada is much extra reasonably priced than its American neighbours. It’s a vacation spot of selection all yr spherical, from snowboarding to metropolis breaks, it isn’t certain by a season.

We’re seeing an inflow in enquiries for Tahiti. Many individuals don’t realise that it is just a 5-hour direct flight from Auckland making it a straightforward vacation spot to get to. Tahiti has among the most unimaginable resorts on the planet, so it’s good for a vacation celebrating particular events.

With the announcement of a direct flight to Denpasar, Bali is again. Our bookings have greater than doubled for Bali holidays, and this may proceed into subsequent yr.

Equally, Emirates is bringing again its A380 fleet to New Zealand in December that means that Dubai is even simpler (and extra luxurious than ever!) to get to. Fly direct for a high-end vacation or use it as a stopover vacation on the way in which to Europe.

What tendencies shall be making waves within the journey trade?

Totally inclusive packages have develop into very talked-about. Individuals wish to journey however they need ease, worth and entry to experiences they wouldn’t essentially find out about. These will solely develop in provide because the demand continues. Count on to see some nice offers with packages in 2023.

A high tip is to be versatile on vacation spot – you may even see a bundle for someplace you’ll by no means have thought of that may introduce you to one thing new. That’s the great thing about a bundle – it’s all organised for you.

What’s your greatest tip for Kiwi travellers eager to discover the world in 2023?

Our Company Traveller and FCM manufacturers, who cater for enterprise and company journey, have each grown exponentially because the borders opened. This exhibits that Kiwi companies are sending employees abroad as a precedence. What’s fascinating although is the rise of “Bleisure” journey, so in case you are fortunate sufficient to be despatched abroad for enterprise, speak to your supervisor about extending go away on both aspect and utilizing it for a leisure vacation. You get monetary savings on flights and may also help to maximise your vacation time.

Loyalty programmes are additionally rising in popularity as resorts compete for the booming journey trade. By prioritising staying in a single chain, you’ll be able to collect factors which can get you further advantages, free nights, and reductions. Plus, you’ll be able to construct a profile to ensure every keep caters to your wants like a room on the next flooring or any further necessities you want.

If you wish to do a multi-stop journey, you want an knowledgeable to assist as every border has entry necessities that differ from one another. Sadly, it’s nonetheless just a bit extra sophisticated to journey. So speak to an agent to allow them to advise you of the whole lot you want to know, or e book a tour the place they may deal with it on the bottom for you.

David Coombes is Managing Director at Flight Centre NZ

Laura Houldsworth

What are the most well liked locations for 2023?

In our Reserving.com 2023 Journey Predictions, landmarks or sights which will have featured in your grandparents vacation picture albums or iconic retro movies are making a comeback, with a major majority of Kiwi travellers (86 per cent) aspiring to carve out journey experiences that relive the great ol’ days selecting nostalgic getaways.

Kiwis are opting to principally keep throughout the area when travelling internationally, with Australia, Cook dinner Islands and Fiji main the highest 5 most searched worldwide locations.

What tendencies shall be making waves within the journey trade?

We’re in a time of common upheaval, the place warfare, rising inflation and pressing considerations concerning the local weather disaster are altering the way in which Kiwis see the world.

Our predictions for subsequent yr replicate this and spotlight that Kiwi travellers are adapting to altering occasions. Greater than half of New Zealanders (57 per cent) intend to prioritise worth for cash so they are going to be extra financially-savvy with their itineraries – benefiting from offers, hacks and smartly-timed journey. Kiwi travellers will look to increase their journey stays to stretch their finances, choosing one or two longer holidays as a substitute of a number of brief breaks.

Near a 3rd (32 per cent) of Kiwi travellers will even be in search of some escape from the stressors of on a regular basis life, looking for ‘off-grid’ fashion holidays that permit them to change off and expertise the world with the naked requirements. We count on to see a rising demand for eco-friendly, earthly stays springing as much as accommodate city dwellers looking for simplicity within the nice outdoor.

What’s your greatest tip for Kiwi travellers eager to discover the world in 2023?

Don’t restrict your self! In 2023, nothing shall be off-limits and the whole lot is on the menu as we count on many Kiwi travellers to dive head-first into new journey adventures that might not be skilled throughout our lockdown years. Everyone seems to be looking for to search out the precise steadiness in a world of contradictions.

Whether or not it’s taking delight within the discomfort zone, recentering the thoughts on a peace pilgrimage or occurring a digital voyage, our analysis reveals that greater than half of Kiwis (57 per cent) shall be wanting ahead to experiencing ‘out of consolation zone’ journey that pushes them to the bounds. Within the present local weather the place individuals need to strategy how and the place they spend their travel-dollars a little bit in another way within the coming yr, area of interest experiences that push journey escapades to the intense and create distinctive long-lasting reminiscences shall be simply the ticket.

Laura Houldsworth is Managing Director Asia Pacific for reserving.com

NEW ZEALAND

Bjoern Spreitzer

What are the most well liked locations for 2023?

New Zealand is a sizzling vacation spot for Kiwis and there’s nonetheless rather a lot to find. Perhaps a bespoke journey with Wild Fiordland that invitations you to discover majestic Fiordland by boat, kayak or strolling? Or check out new eco-accommodation at Kumiko’s Visitor Home in Waipara, North Canterbury or the glamping expertise Completely Tarawera near Rotorua. The choices for an awesome New Zealand vacation are limitless.

Our analysis exhibits that 71 per cent of New Zealanders intend to take a vacation in New Zealand within the subsequent 12 months, and many individuals have already booked which simply goes to indicate Kiwis are eager to discover additional.

What tendencies shall be making waves within the journey trade?

Analysis is displaying that customers are in search of significant journey, locations and experiences the place they will immerse themselves into the native tradition in addition to intimate experiences that permit them to really feel as if they’re discovering the actual, genuine aspect of a vacation spot.

Whereas there are many causes to journey world wide for any such vacation, our distinctive Kiwi tradition ticks these bins too and brings individuals nearer to communities and genuine experiences.

There’s additionally a little bit of a want to take a vacation particularly to enhance well being and wellness, and have a little bit of peace to attach with nature. Private progress means many issues – it is likely to be conquering a Nice Stroll, taking over the concern of journey actions, or digging into new cuisines in a taking place city hotspot like Auckland or Wellington.

What’s your greatest tip for Kiwi travellers eager to discover the world in 2023?

Don’t overlook to maintain exploring near dwelling! There are nonetheless plenty of gems to be found for even probably the most “in-the-know” home traveller.

Kiwis ought to search for Qualmark companies. Qualmark is New Zealand tourism’s official high quality assurance organisation, offering a trusted information to high quality journey experiences in New Zealand.

Bjoern Spreitzer is Normal Supervisor New Zealand at Tourism New Zealand

Stephen England-Corridor

What are the most well liked locations in New Zealand for 2023?

I’d encourage Kiwis to go to the Unesco World Heritage Space of Fiordland, particularly Uncertain Sound. Wildlife, waterfalls, digital detox and incomparable magnificence await. If you happen to’ve already explored Milford and Uncertain Sounds, then head to Stewart Island for a weekend or longer – keep at Stewart Island Lodge, head out on a wild kiwi encounter or discover the hen sanctuary of Ulva Island, and whenever you want a refresh, benefit from the drinks and menu on the native pub.

What tendencies shall be making waves within the journey trade?

That is the primary summer season since 2019 with out authorities Covid restrictions, open borders and worldwide guests. Every thing within the enviornment of traveller behaviour is a little bit speculative in the intervening time. Travellers are seeing inflation have an effect on airfares, gasoline prices and lodging, so it’s seemingly that this may have an effect on how some individuals select to journey in 2023 and the place they may go. I reckon we’re all attempting to determine how this may alter journey patterns, nevertheless it’s largely guesswork. We, like different operators and businesses, have intention insights – i.e. persons are telling us how they intend to journey however that isn’t all the time per what occurs in actuality. Ask us once more in February and we may have some preliminary information on how issues have advanced!

What’s your greatest tip for Kiwi travellers eager to discover the world in 2023?

Day-after-day is a superb day to discover Aotearoa New Zealand! Observe your pursuits however add in a number of surprises and new experiences too. We dwell in a paradise of a rustic with many nature-based excursions obtainable to us – from adrenaline-fuelled to enjoyable immersion, we now have all of it.

Stephen England-Corridor is CEO at RealNZ

Tim Bamford

What are the most well liked locations on the Division of Conservation community for 2023?

For the extra skilled and adventurous, I might counsel anyplace off the crushed monitor the place you’ll be able to really benefit from the area, wildness and pure fantastic thing about New Zealand beneath your personal steam. Good spots for this embrace the Pouakai Circuit in Taranaki, Aotea Observe on Aotea Nice Barrier Island, Whirinaki Observe on the East Coast, Northland’s Cape Brett Observe, and Copland Observe on the West Coast. I might additionally suggest the shorter journeys on Heaphy Nice Stroll which supply a tremendous alternative to expertise the beautiful landscapes and better customary of amenities on a Nice Stroll over one or two nights and with fewer individuals. You may as well do Hump Ridge earlier than it turns into a Nice Stroll.

For households or these with much less outside expertise, I might suggest Mt Somers (significantly the in a single day journey to Woolshed Creek), Packhorse or Quail Island huts in Canterbury. For brief walks, strive Dawson Falls on Taranaki; Pūkaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre and Ship Creek on the West Coast. For cultural heritage, Kororipo Heritage Park and Ruapekapeka Pā in Northland, Arrowtown Chinese language Settlement close to Queenstown or any Tohu Whenua website.

Are there any tendencies you suppose shall be altering the way in which travellers get about their yard?

Slower, extra aware journey – not speeding from place to position, however immersing your self and attending to know the communities, nature and heritage of an space. Bike trails have gotten increasingly fashionable with home travellers – they mix the health and well-being advantages of being out in nature with sustainability and the prospect to journey at a slower tempo. Some nice choices are Otago Central Rail Path, Timber Path, Little River Rail Path or Ohakune Outdated Coach Highway.

What’s your greatest tip for Kiwi travellers eager to discover the outside in 2023?

The one factor that may make or break a visit is to do your homework and put together earlier than heading out. Know what to take, learn up on what superior nature and heritage there’s to find on the market, discover out about aspect journeys or native gems to not be missed. Ideally, you’d go to a neighborhood DOC customer Centre the place doable, however actually examine the DOC web site and browse up on the place you might be planning to go. To maintain you and your group protected, observe the Land Security Code – specifically, pack properly and examine the climate beforehand.

Tim Bamford is Heritage and Guests Director for Division of Conservation

Phil Wyndham

Why are biking holidays rising in reputation a lot world wide?

The explosion of locations you’ll be able to enjoyably journey your bike has given individuals so many extra selections. The e-bike has actually made biking extra accessible. One in every of my most spectacular guides, Wealthy Mortiboys, says there are two several types of individuals on this world; individuals who love e-bikes and people who find themselves but to journey one.

New Zealand’s Ngā Haerenga Nice Rides at the moment has 23 trails and it appears like I learn weekly about new proposed trails being developed or talked about. It’s so thrilling to see the groundswell of assist from the federal government and communities to construct extra world-class cycle trails. These trails will all the time join beautiful landscapes, and fascinating distant rural communities, while by no means being too removed from having the ability to get pleasure from good meals and lodging.

What are a few of your favorite trails in New Zealand?

The Lake Dunstan and Roxburgh Gorge path combo in Central Otago stays fashionable with Journey South visitors who love the distinctive sections of cantilevered trails round bluffs and the lake and river views. Nonetheless, there’s one journey which has acquired extra consideration than all others – the Kaikōura and Molesworth Again Nation Cycle. This journey traverses Aotearoa’s largest again nation station and spends two nights within the very snug and upgraded “shearers’ quarters”. The journey has all of the important parts for a journey – superior trails, nice lodging, beautiful distant vistas, tasty and nutritious meals and a component of problem, which can give a way of accomplishment and accomplishment value telling your folks about.

The Alps to Ocean Path from Aoraki-Mt Cook dinner or Tekapo to Ōamaru continues to seize plenty of consideration and curiosity. It has selection and being the longest Nice Trip, it offers a real sense of journey from begin to end. With differing views and landscapes round each bend, good alpine views, blue lakes, fascinating geological formations and good meals, wine and lodging choices, the Alps to Ocean is a transparent winner which delivers on each side to the younger and never so younger, to the e-bike rider or those that choose their bikes ‘unplugged’, and to the native or the worldwide customer.

The Outdated Ghost Highway is an journey alongside 85km of purpose-built mountain bike single monitor taking you up into the alpine atmosphere, via gorges and infinite forests whereas staying at snug backcountry huts. It’s a difficult grade mountain bike path so actual abilities and health are wanted – so preserve driving, construct your health and possibly contemplate a abilities clinic to make driving this world-class path doable.

What are among the hottest locations world wide for biking holidays in 2023?

Do you have to get an opportunity to go offshore for some driving, then Japan is my decide. The range is staggering, from cycle paths and really quiet roads to city rides and even an growing variety of mountain bike trails. The surroundings and meals in Japan are well-known to most, but the quiet rural roads and entry to villages the place time has stood nonetheless are sometimes a shock. Japan is the proper nation to journey via, permitting you to see and expertise issues extra slowly and actually come to know the place. One biking journey to Japan is rarely sufficient.

Phil Wyndham is Normal Supervisor at Journey South NZ