TRADE WINTER FOR SUMMER IN THE SUNNY SOUTH PACIFIC
If the bitter winter chill is giving you the blues, then the soft sands, balmy sun, and warm breezes of New Zealand and Tahiti are the perfect antidote. Air Tahiti Nui makes getting to this natural South Pacific combination simple with its time-limited “Summer In New Zealand” fare, offering roundtrip Moana (economy) class air to Auckland from only $1,253 including taxes and fees – plus a free, one-time three-day Tahiti stopover and stay at one of three resorts, based on double occupancy. Resort options include the Hilton Hotel Tahiti, Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti, or Sofitel Tahiti Maeva Beach Resort. Bookings must be made by February 1 for travel January 25 through June 15, 2010.
Less than eight hours nonstop from Los Angeles International Airport, exotic Tahiti is unspoiled and lush, with azure waters and year-round sun. Never rushed nor hurried, visitors can choose to do as much or as little here as they please. Explore beautiful flora and fauna via easy walking trails or expeditions to the island’s volcanic center, or hop over to the heart-shaped island of Moorea for a day trip to enjoy leisurely catamaran rides through beautiful side-by-side bays and shopping for French Polynesia’s famed Tahitian black pearls. Those in search of relaxation and romance will love the stunning black and white sand beaches, sunset lagoon cruises, and spa treatments featuring Monoi oil – while families and kids can enjoy friendly shark and ray feedings and scenic helicopter rides.
Of the three resort options, families might enjoy the Hilton Hotel’s “Special Family Offer” of one child staying free with two adults, while larger groups might take advantage of the Radisson Plaza Resort’s “Suite Upgrade” option to an ocean view duplex for just $120 extra per person. Alternately, for that same extra price per person, luxury-lovers can upgrade to one of three higher-end properties instead: Intercontinental Resort Tahiti, Manava Suite Resort Tahiti – where not one, but two children can stay free with two adults – or Le Meridien Tahiti.
For more information on Air Tahiti Nui and to book these specials visit http://www.airtahitinui-usa.com/3daystopover or call 1-877-824-4846.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Whether you are looking for a bonding experience with family during the holidays or a rewarding gift, Travcoa is offering three luxury Escorted Journeys this December that will bring out the holiday cheer. Special hotel offers in South America and a small-ship cruise expedition around New Zealand make these warm, southern-hemisphere locations the hot spots this holiday season.
Guests who book Travcoa’s “Alluring South America” or “Galapagos and Machu Picchu” Escorted Journeys, embarking on Dec. 16, receive a free luxury hotel night prior to departure in Rio de Janeiro or Quito respectively, or up to $400 per person off the journey price.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Life Change: It’s A Buy 
Photo: Credit to Chris McClellanWhat’s transformation worth? With Air New Zealand’s “Travel to NZ and Get Your Life Back” fare, wayfarers will jet Los Angeles to Auckland for only $798 roundtrip that must be booked by April 29. Or you can head to life-altering experiences via the airline’s regular economy roundtrip fare as well: under $900 including taxes and fees. Compared to soaring economy fares of up to $3,000 roundtrip in pre-recession peak season, these airfares will lift both body and soul.
And travel to New Zealand will bring another option on June 10, when Qantas introduces new daily service from New York City to Auckland. Because these flights feature conveniently timed connections in Los Angeles, East Coasters will no longer need to fly via alternate carriers before connecting to Qantas aircraft at LAX.
Once on the ground in New Zealand, exchange rates are compelling with the U.S. dollar packing a punch against the Kiwi dollar (USD$1 = Kiwi$1.71), stretching the purchasing power of American travelers in New Zealand. Plus, hotel and tour deals in abundance make New Zealand a “buy.”
Source: Tourism New Zealand
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".