So you want to visit Beijing?
Beijing is an amazing city of over 20m people. It's a place where worlds collide. A place of apparent chaos yet with an underlying order that makes everything work.
I recently spent a few days there so I thought I would share some of my experience. And that really is what Beijing is: an experience.
English is not widely spoken so at first it will feel very strange. On the first day there I explored, map in hand. Now - I have discovered that I have a bit of an issue when it comes to using maps in the Northern Hemisphere. North doesn't feel like North to me. A lifetime of living in New Zealand clearly makes me feel upside-down. Having worked that out, using a map in Beijing became useful and effective.
You will walk a lot. It's a massive city and takes a lot to get around. Do make sure you learn to use the subway. It's really inexpensive and is a very efficient way to extend your range.
Department stores and malls open at 10am and stay open until 9:30pm-10:00pm.
If you want to find cheap goods (and the famous fakes) go to Silk Street. It's 7-8 floors of leather goods, clothes, toys and more. It has a great foodhall where you can sit amongst the locals and eat authentic food. One thing that was interesting is that people will come up to you and try to talk to you. Chinese love practicing English.
China World is where you find all the well-known luxury brands. A huge underground mall with many shops, food stores and even an ice-skating rink.
I found that there isn't really a drinking culture in Beijing. There is little understanding or appreciation of wine and quality beer. Wine is either 'white' or 'red'. Some stores are trying hard to learn about variety but still default to the 'oh, you're looking at white wines - try this...' approach.
If you want a more Western-influenced bar/club/restaurant experience, head West from Tuanjiehu subway station to Sanlitun Bei Lu. There is a fantastic mall here, and it's home to many bars. Some that even supply beer and pizza.
In the Nali Patio Tower we found many restaurants and clubs, including one called The Black Moth. It's an amazing cocktail bar that is very exclusive and somewhat hidden.
One thing I was surprised by is how Beijing has embraced Halloween. I queried our guide about this and her comment was "Find joy in everything" - so even if something has no cultural significance to a Chinese person, or is commercialised, just embrace it and enjoy it.
Sightseeing in Beijing is great. It's the home to Tian'an Men Square, The Forbidden City, The Summer Palace, various parks, and also the access to sections of The Great Wall and the Ming Tombs.
I love visiting The Forbidden City. It never ceases to amaze me. The sheer scale of the complex and the journey you take when you walk through is quite memorable.
We visited the Juyongguan section of The Great Wall. It's less populated that Badaling. Be prepared for a bit of a climb. 300m of elevation in a very short distance, on uneven steps that range from 10cm to 40cm in height. Exhausting but exciting!
If your tour/timings allow you'll get to visit Jade carving factory and a Pearl harvesting factory. Both these places showcase the cultural importance of these resources. The workmanship is also something else. Very interesting and a good opportunity to purchase a reminder of your trip.
Visiting the Ming Tombs is also interesting. The Dadaling tomb is open to the public. It's set in some beautiful grounds and is worth a visit.
Walking through the Olympic Park is quite dramatic also. Seeing what the Chinese achieved to be able to host the Games in 2008. The architecture is great to see up close.
The Summer Palace is a must-see. This park is steeped in history and is just beautiful. It is very well cared for. A haven for tourists and locals alike.
I particularly enjoyed people watching and seeing the locals go about their lives. Learning how to cross roads like a local. Learning to use the subway like a local. Observing the markets, the street stalls, the workers keeping their city clean.
Beijing is a melting pot and is so interesting to be immersed in. A definite favorite destination of mine.
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Total ban on carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices
Following a joint directive from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), Air New Zealand is placing a total ban on the carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices from 5am today – Sunday 16th October 2016.
These devices cannot be accepted for carriage either in person, in carry-on luggage or in checked luggage. This is a FAA and US DOT safety requirement. We are also in consultation with the NZ Civil Aviation Authority on this matter.
We are advising travellers not to bring these devices to the airport with them as they cannot be accepted for travel and there is no storage facility available for them at our check-in areas. Owners of these devices are being advised to contact Samsung for advice on how to return their devices.
Please ensure these changes are advised to all your customers with upcoming travel.
Traveling to Xi'an? Stay at the Sheraton.
When I traveled to China, I was taken by Xi'an. It's an extraordinary city, with so much history.
It is home to the world famous Terracotta Warriors plus many other timeless attractions dating back 5,000 years. It's a wonderful destination to explore.
The Sheraton Xian North City Hotel is already well established in the market providing 5 star service to travelers. We got the opportunity to meet the Management of this property when they visited New Zealand recently. It was great talking with them and reminiscing of my time in their city.
Some benefits of the property and location:
* A close 40 minutes from the Xian International Airport
* The only 5 star hotel which has the new Metro system located underneath the hotel
* On the Metro it's only 3 stops to the Bell tower, Drum tower and the very popular Muslim Street
* 10 minutes walk to the old Daming Palace grounds which are 1,400 years old
* 1 hour 15mins to the Terracotta Warriors
* World class museums and fabulous Xi'an Cuisine
If you get the chance, you must visit!
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Travelling to New York City? Need a place to stay?
Take a look at what our friends at Starwood have to offer you for your accomodation.
Sheraton New York Times Square
811 7th Avenue I New York, NY 10019 I 212 581 1000 I sheratonnewyork.com
1,781 Guest Rooms • 61 Suites • 43 Meeting Rooms • Total Meeting Space: 60,000 sq. ft.
The Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel is located between Central Park and Times Square in the center of Manhattan’s Midtown entertainment district. Experience the thrill and magic of award-winning Broadway shows right before your very eyes. Only here will you experience those exciting moments that New York City is famous for. The hotel is a source of familiar comfort in a city of millions.
The Westin New York Times Square
270 West 42nd Street I New York, NY 10036 I 212.201.2700 I westinny.com
873 Guest Rooms • 30 Suites • 32 Meeting Rooms • Total Meeting Space: 34,000 sq. ft.
Welcome to a place where time ceases to tick and begins to flow. Where every sense is soothed and energy is restored. Where your well-being reigns supreme. In the center of Times Square, New York City all around you, discover a hotel destination where you and your family stay at your best. Experience a whole new level of luxury and serenity at The Westin New York at Times Square. For a better you™.
The Westin New York Grand Central
212 East 42nd Street I New York, NY 10017 I 212 490 8900 I westinnewyorkgrandcentral.com
774 Guest Rooms • 12 Suites • 12 Meeting Rooms • Total Meeting Space: 15,000 sq. ft.
Convenience and elegance merge at The Westin New York Grand Central. Our central location puts the city at your fingertips, whether you’re catching a train at Grand Central Terminal or visiting iconic New York sites like the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, and Times Square. Maintain your wellbeing with Westin WORKOUT®. Experience ultimate comfort with Westin Heavenly® Bed and Bath. Or relax with friends at The LCL. No matter how you choose to spend your time, the Westin difference ensures that your stay is everything you want it to be.
W New York
541 Lexington Avenue I New York, NY 10022 I 212 755 1200 I whotelsnewyork.com
696 Guest Rooms • 56 Suites • 7 Meeting Rooms • Total Meeting Space: 8,868 sq. ft.
W New York is a sanctuary within the city - close to the museums, Times Square, Broadway, the business district, and just blocks away from some of New York’s finest department stores, and the famed Rockefeller Center. W New York’s Whatever/Whenever® philosophy pampers guests with “whatever you want, whenever you want it,” inviting sophisticated business and leisure travelers into a world where anything can happen.
W New York - Times Square
1567 Broadway at West 46th Street I New York, NY 10036 I 212 930 7400 I whotelsnewyork.com
509 Guest Rooms • 43 Suites • 6 Meeting Rooms • Total Meeting Space: 2,300 sq. ft.
Welcome to our Times Square Hotel. Take a front row seat. Perched above the “Crossroads of the World,” near the Big Apple’s famous theater district, W New York - Times Square amplifies the city’s famous energy.
W New York - Union Square
201 Park Ave. South at East 17th St. I New York, NY 10003 I 212 253 9119 I whotelsnewyork.com
270 guest rooms • 16 suites • 6 meeting rooms • Total Meeting Space: 7,000 sq. ft.
Located in iconic Union Square - W New York - Union Square is housed in the David Rockwell freshly re-mixed landmark 1911 beaux arts Guardian Life building. Surrounded by seasonal offerings at the farmer’s market, boutiques and shops of the West Village, and celebrated landmarks, W Union Square is the perfect juxtaposition of the class of uptown and downtown cool.
W New York - Downtown
8 Albany St. I New York, NY 10006 I 646 826 8600 I whotelsnewyork.com
217 Guest Rooms • 3 Suites • 4 Meeting Rooms • Total Meeting Space: 1,933 sq. ft.
Lower Manhattan is heating up with W New York - Downtown leading the charge. Directly across the street from One World Trade Center and Observatory, Brookfield Place, blocks from NYSE, and offering views of the Statue of Liberty, the hotel is surrounded by the action of this iconic neighborhood. Steps away from renowned destinations like the South Street Seaport and Governor’s Island and easily accessible to Brooklyn.
Let's go to Hawaii!! *updated April 2018
Image courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority
We recently had the privilege of a number of Hawaiian operators come to Auckland with the Hawaiian Tourism board to give us more insight as to Hawaii as a destination.
Travel to Hawaii can give you many different and diverse experiences. In fact, you can return multiple times and create completely different memories. It’s so much more than the white sandy beaches, surfing and shopping that we know and love.
Image courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority
Tourism Boards:
Here are some links to information about the different regions. I won’t repeat their information here, but these websites will help you plan your trip in a lot of detail.
Oahu - The Heart of Hawaii
Kaua’i - Hawaii’s island of Discovery
Hawaii, the Big Island
Maui - The Magic Isle
Molokai - Hawaiian By Nature
Lanai - Hawaii’s Most Enticing Island
If you're wanting some experiences here's a few. Obviously each island offers something different and you can tailor your trip accordingly.
Still, you can’t visit Hawaii and not experience a Luau.
Image courtesy of Germaine's Luau
Germaine’s Luau This is the original traditional backyard-style family luau experience. They offer a free escorted shuttle from Waikiki to the West side of the island from where you’ll see beautiful sunsets. You’ll meet generations of family members on staff, and they’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
Diamondhead Luau is Waikiki’s only beachfront luau. You can partake in lei-making, hula/ukelele lessons and more.
You want to shop? Well, you can definitely do that in Hawaii!!
Ala Moana Centre This is Hawaii’s largest shopping centre and also is the World’s largest open-air mall, offering premium shopping and dining. It currently is home to 340+ stores and restaurants. They offer free WiFi throughout the centre. Opening hours 9:30am - 9:00pm Monday - Saturday. Note that it is closed on Sundays.
Waikele Premium Outlet (a Simon Centre) This is the only outlet shopping centre on O’ahu. Fantastic savings of 25%-65% every day. It boasts many popular designer and name brands so you really do need to visit to stock up on clothes for the next New Zealand season!
What other experiences could you have?
Polynesian Cultural Centre This is where you must visit if you want to learn the history of Polynesia. Explore 42 acres with 5 authentic island villages and exhibits. Check out their website for more information on everything you can experience here. It’s great!
Kualoa Private Nature Reserve This amazing location encompasses 2,000 hectares on O’ahu, only 38 kms from Waikiki. This is where you go to see film locations (from Elvis in ‘Paradise Hawaiian Style’ through to Jurassic World. ATV tours, Ziplines and mores. A must-visit.
Battleship Missouri Memorial This is an absolute must-see. There is so much history in this region. Combine a tour of this ship with your Pearl Harbour exploration.
Sea Life Park Hawaii See the dolphin show, spend quality time with penguins and sea lions. If you enjoy getting to know about Marine life, this is a cool destination.
If you need a bit of help getting around and seeing what you want to see, have a look at Discover Hawaii Tours or Roberts Hawaii. Check out their websites as they’ll put together an interesting package for you. Book through us for savings.
*updated April 2018
Our friends at Your RV Lifestyle have compiled a list of 100 things to do in Hawaii. Check it out here.
Transport:
Here are two vendors that came by. If you book before you travel, you’ll get less expensive rates. Let us help you with this!
Alamo Rent A Car
Arthurs Limousine
Accomodation:
Aqua-Aston Hotels and Resorts Aqua is present on four of the six islands. A great range of options for any traveller.
Courtyard Kaua’i at Coconut Beach. This property offers the amenities and convenience of a full-scale resort in an intimate beachfront setting.
Courtyard Oahu North Shore This brand new hotel offers large and spacious rooms, with either King or two Queen beds and a comfortable pull-out sofa sleeper. It’s located just steps away from the Polynesian Cultural Centre.
Royal Lahaina Resort and Royal Kona Resort. Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts can accomodate you on both Maui and the Big Island. They don’t have Resort Fees, plus Laihana has complimentary WiFi.
Hyatt Resorts & Spas in Hawaii Always reliable accomodation with large rooms and authentic hospitality.
Ka’anapali Beach Hotel is located on the world-famous Ka’anapali beach and is walking distance from shipping and championship golfing. Again, no resort fee and complimentary WiFi. This hotel is officially recognised as Hawaii’s most Hawaiian Hotel. You’ll definitely get a Hawaii experience here.
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Stay at an Outrigger property and visit the world famous beaches, taste the regional cuisines and enjoy the hospitality of your joyful hosts. Whether you’re there with your family or on business, Outrigger has something for you.
Pacific Beach Hotel Situated on the main strip in Waikiki and currently undergoing renovations. It’ll be awesome when the work is completed. It’s within walking distance from the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Hawaii You have options on four of the islands, located in some of the most desirable settings. The resorts offer lavish luxuries and signature amenities. World-class internationally-renowned restaurants serve up culinary experiences that you’ll have to Instagram.
The Kahala Hotel and Resort is O’ahu’s premier luxury property, located just 10 minutes outside Waikiki. It has 6 dining options with choices ranging from casual to fine dining. The Kahala is a favourite with Presidents, International Royalty and Celebrities. Why not you?
Turtle Bay Resort This resort has 850 acres of lush tropical land for you to enjoy and explore. A championship golf course, surf school, 2 swimming pools and a hot tub to relax. You can ride horses, play tennis, enjoy waterspouts, off-road Segway tours, eco-kayak tours and helicopter tours. Mountain biking is new on the list of things to do.
We'd like to acknowledge and thank these companies for taking the time to visit us here in New Zealand. It's great to be able to put a face to the name - that personal touch is so important.
Give us a call to talk about Hawaii as your next destination.
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South America is Calling
The Target Travel team recently attended a South America promotion event out on by our partners at Viva Expeditions/Chimu Adventures. Viva/Chimu are the Latin America and Antarctica specialists. They have longstanding relationships with operators on the ground so know how to get you the trip you want, without the hassle traveling in these areas can create.
It was great meeting some of the vendors Viva/Chimu works with, and learning about the experiences they have on offer.
My personal highlight? I loved learning about the treks that The Mountain Lodges of Peru offer. They are feet-on-the-ground walking tours which take you through the villages all the way to Machu Picchu. It's the full experience of the region.
Check out this video of their Lares Adventure:
I enjoyed the Latin Trails presentation. South America tours have been designed by Latin Trails for more than 20 years to give you the opportunity to listen, see, feel, smell, and taste South America as a destination. Galapagos yachts and Amazon expedition travel ships. Inca trail hikes to Machu Picchu. Eco lodges in a rainforest.
RUTAS showcased an Amazon adventure on the Delfin I or Delfin II. These luxury cruises navigate their way through the PacayaSamiria National Reserve, and you will get to experience and discover the Amazonian Rainforest in its pristine, untouched state.
We learned about The Singular - Patagonia. An astonishing hotel. and the Australis Patagonia Cruises. Guests are taken ashore daily on board Zodiacs and are accompanied by expert naturalist guides. As well as the spectacular landscapes, Australis itineraries showcase the regional flora and fauna including elephant seals, cormorants, Magellan penguins and dolphins. Our partners at MOH Collection have a number of properties that they market here in New Zealand. A guaranteed luxury vacation.
If you want a very different experience perhaps booking a volunteer tour that not only showcases South America, but supports the work in the orphanages run by NPH would be perfect. A percentage of your package cost goes directly to the work and you get to spend time in the orphanage with the kids you're supporting. For more information visit them at this link.
Check out all the offerings available to you at Viva or Chimu and contact us at Target Travel for brochures and your dream holiday package.
Air New Zealand to introduce Dreamliner on Buenos Aires services and increases frequency
Air New Zealand is pleased to announce it will begin flying the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Auckland-Buenos Aires route from 30 October 2016.
The airline will also step up frequency over the peak summer period offering an additional weekly service between Auckland and Buenos Aires from 12 December 2016 to 27 February 2017, bringing the total to four weekly return flights.
The updated schedule from 30 October is as follows:
NZ30 Auckland to Buenos Aires :
30 Oct – 11 Dec 2016, on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
12 Dec 2016 - 27 Feb 2017 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
NZ31 Buenos Aires to Auckland:
30 Oct – 11 Dec 2016 on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
12 Dec 2016 – 27 Feb 2017 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
From 28 February 2017, the service will return to three times per week (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday).
Call us at Target Travel for more information.
Let Target Travel help you visit the Gold Coast!
We had the recent privilege to attend an event put on by Gold Coast Tourism. The purpose was to introduce us to a number of vendors that have come over to New Zealand to update us on what’s going on in their part of the world.
The Gold Coast is the favourite destination for Kiwis by a huge margin. 300 sunshine days annually means you’re pretty much guaranteed a good time.
We'd like to thank the vendors for taking the time to talk to us. At Target Travel we'd love to put together a fun and relaxing holiday for you. Give us a call.
Here are some snippets of information to tease you!
Shopping:
Harbourtown Outlet Shopping Centre - This shopping destination is undergoing a refurbishment and development for more stores. They offer a free shuttle to and from the centre and can create an amazing shopping experience for you. It's an absolute must-visit when you're in town.
Accomodation:
The Breakers. Beachfront holiday apartments in Broadbeach. 1-2 bedroom apartments and also larger sized cabanas if you want to get a group together. Situated close to the bowling club (which is also the venue for the 2018 Commonwealth Games bowls competition).
Islander Resort Hotel. This is a three star hotel set in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Ideally located just one block from the beach and a short walk to Cavill Avenue’s restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Ramada Hotel Hope Harbour. This hotel is located just 40 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport and is central to the Theme Parks and is close to golf courses. This peaceful retreat offers guests stylish accomodation with stunning waterfront views.
The Tryp in Brisbane. This hotel really caught my eye. It’s located in the heart of Brisbane’s entertainment and cultural hub, and boasts evocative street art and decor. It reflects the vibrant rhythm of of the city and is home to one of Brisbane’s largest rooftop bars.
Beach Haven on Broadbeach and Turtle Beach. These are two of Dreamtime Resorts most popular properties. They really are set up with families in mind. Close to the beach and shopping, and come with everything you’d expect. Turtle Beach in particular has extensive facilities, including their own water park, saunas, a floodlit tennis court and a kid’s club.
Paradise Resort - This resort is a phenomenal family holiday destination. Something for everybody! It boasts an extensive daily activity and entertainment programme. It’s the only resort in Australia with a kid’s club that looks after children 0-12 years of age, is open daily and offers every child 4 hours of fully supervised fun each day, FREE of charge! How good is that??
Theme Parks and Attractions:
Dreamworld. Whitewater World. Skypoint. It’s your world of thrill rides, your world of Dreamworks, your world of Tigers… really it’s your world of family fun. You know the destinations. Check out their websites for current attractions.
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has long been one of the most popular attractions in south-east Queensland. Get up close to amazing native Australian and exotic wildlife at the many interactive displays and wide-open enclosures while walking amongst the lush eucalyptus and rainforest. And yes, you can cuddle a koala!
The Village Roadshow Theme Parks - Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World, Paradise Country Aussie Farm Tour, Australian Outback Spectacular and Wet ’n’ Wild. All very well-known and very popular. We recommend that you purchase your passes from us before you go. The 7 day Holiday Pass is the most popular - access to Movie World, Sea World and Wet ’N’ Wild, all on your own timetable.
Draculas. This is Australia’s longest running and most popular dinner theatre experience. It’s a Gold Coast institution of comedy, horror, burlesque, music and a three-course dinner. What a night out!
Jupiters Gold Coast. This famous casino boasts a terrific location and is a premiere entertainment venue. Check out their website for currently running shows. They also have a selection of fine-dining restaurants including the award-winning Kiyomi. If you like Japanese food, you must book ahead!
To help you get from the airport and to all these fabulous places, we suggest you make use of Con-X-Ion Services. This company has a fleet of shuttles that make getting around easy. Check out their Roo Passes - these are 1 to 7 day passes including return airport transfers from Brisbane or Gold Coast airports and most of the local Theme Park attractions. Look at their website for details.
Oh My Goodness!! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!!
"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™"| Image Courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood
HOGWARTS IS COMING TO HOLLYWOOD!
The countdown to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” has begun as Universal Studios Hollywood announces April 7, 2016 as the opening date of the West Coast’s most anticipated entertainment experience and the introduction of the land’s signature attraction, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” in hyper-realistic 3D-HD.
More than five years in the making, and inspired by J. K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters and the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood is expected to attract Harry Potter fans and visitors from all over the globe for decades to come! Read more:
Call us for current deals to get you to Los Angeles! They're currently from ~$799 return!
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Check back often for updates