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From how to plan, what to pack and what to do on site, Emma Stanford asks travel industry experts for their number one pick travel tip.
Select your seat
Heidi Walker, Managing Director, Flight Center New Zealand
I firmly believe that you can find your seats on one aeroplane at the time of booking so that you are not assigned a less desirable seat. For me, securing a window seat is the best option economically, so I always choose it if it is available, even if it means paying a little extra for seat choice.
Weigh your bag at home
Kate Boyer, Airports General Manager, Air New Zealand
I always weigh my suitcases (including hand luggage) before leaving for the airport. That way I know baggage drop-off will be quick and easy, so I can enjoy a snack and some people-watching before boarding my flight.
I also have colorful luggage; it makes picking up your bag at your destination a breeze. If you don’t have colorful luggage, a luggage tag with your name on it will suffice. Ribbons can get stuck in the baggage carousel, so a simple luggage tag is the way to go!
Grab your strength
Jason Buckley, New Zealand Managing Director, Envoyage
Travel with a universal travel power adapter and a power board. A universal travel power adapter is a great investment because it gives you access to power all over the world.
By also bringing a power board, you have the option to charge multiple phones or use a range of devices at the same time. It’s really a game changer in the modern world when we use so many electronics.
Taste the cuisine
David Coombes, CEO of House of Travel
When I travel, I always make it a point to explore the culinary scene. Some of my favorite travel memories include sampling street food, dining in small family restaurants, and meeting local producers, all offering an authentic taste of local cuisine.
Immerse yourself in the culture
Ben Hall, CEO, AAT Kings Group
Always take the time to truly experience a country’s local culture. For example, if you’re traveling to Australia, look for experiences that showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, the oldest in the world, and how they lived off the land.
See their art, listen to their music and learn their history through stories passed down from generation to generation. Doing this will give you a much better understanding of the place you are visiting and the people who live there.
Travel at night
Hugo Van Vondelen, product specialist, Eurail
Consider incorporating an overnight train into your itinerary, combining your travel and accommodation costs into one. It’s a great way to maximize your time while traveling because you won’t waste precious daylight hours reaching your next destination.
With a Eurail Pass you can book night trains for an additional fee. Just make sure you plan this in advance as seats can fill up quickly. If seats are fully booked, alternative routes are always available.
Think before you book
Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures
Think before you book and ask questions about where your money is going. The more consumers use their purchasing power with the right companies, the more money flows back into local economies and the greater the positive impact they will have on local communities.
Also consider the less visited destinations, in addition to the more popular ones. Visiting the little-known places will help further spread the travel dollars and positive impact.
Travel small and slow
Mark Wong, senior vice president, Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Travel ‘small and slow’. Stay in small, locally owned properties, which are often more characterful and immersive.
Seek intimacy and simplicity over excess and indulgence. Take the time to explore new and soulful destinations that are off the beaten track and free from overtourism and crowds.
Not only for environmental and social reasons, but also to ensure that you have good, purposeful travel experiences that will enrich you personally and create long-lasting memories.
Plan with AI
Nikhil Ravishankar, chief digital officer, Air New Zealand
I recently spent three weeks traveling through Europe with my wife and two children. From hotels to restaurants to tourist attractions, ChatGPT planned the entire itinerary that we followed to the letter and it was amazing!
So my travel tip is to think outside the box about how you make your plans, join the digital revolution and let AI guide you to all the hidden gems to ensure a trip you’ll never forget!
Ask the flight crew
Mike Williams, Chief Alliances and Transformation Officer, Air New Zealand
Nothing beats a recommendation from someone who knows the destination like the back of their hand.
Our Air New Zealand crew and pilots are my secret weapon for finding the best places to eat and the best things to do. They usually visit the destinations in our network several times a year, so if you want some insider information, ask them for their top tips as you sail at 38,000 feet.
Use a travel agent
Angie Forsyth, Managing Director, Corporate Traveller
My point is to take all the stress of travel away from you and instead put it in the hands of a travel expert, so that you can simply show up at the airport on travel day knowing that everything has been taken care of.
A travel agent can provide you with the best options to meet your needs, they have access to the best products and rates and you can contact them 24/7 for assistance.
This gives me peace of mind when I travel, whether for business or leisure, and allows me to fully relax.
Have one travel tip to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured in an upcoming story.
This article was originally published by Stuff and is reproduced here with permission.
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