2012's hottest, best value destinations

KATE MEAD

New Destinations Vietnam is becoming a travel hot spot for New Zealanders, ranking high on the lists of places to visit this year.

With the frantic big-city vibe of Ho Chi Minh City, the culturally infused charm of Hanoi and laid-back beachy cities like Nha Trang, Vietnam really offers something for any type of holiday.

"We know from our customer research and commentary that Kiwi travellers want destinations that are very dynamic. From poverty to rich, hot to cold, extreme culture shocks with food as well as being able to immerse themselves into the daily life," says Mondo's Gordon Bayne.

After its addition to the Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri Nations Rugby Tournament), Flight Centre is predicting Argentina will grab Kiwis' attention as a new holiday spot, joining Peru as a popular South American destination for New Zealand travellers.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

A strong New Zealand dollar will get Kiwis flying further around the world this year. Hawaii and Tahiti are tropical destinations that deal in United States dollars, thus allowing for more spending money and cheaper accommodation rates for New Zealanders.

Cheap flights have meant Hawaii is increasingly being considered as a stopover destination on the way to Los Angeles and San Francisco, while Flight Centre has reported increased interest in New York, where there's a growing trend of travellers staying in self-contained apartments rather than hotels.

Not surprisingly, the 2012 Olympic Games have put London in the spotlight. Coupled with the strong kiwi against the euro, travel companies are predicting a rush of Kiwi travellers to the already popular destination but are recommending booking flights early to avoid rising prices and fully booked accommodation, or to travel on either side of the sporting event, which will be held from July 27 to August 12.

Less familiar European destinations, particularly Croatia and Denmark, make the list of hot places for Kiwis to visit this year.

Copenhagen, dubbed one of Europe's coolest green cities and home to the world's happiest people, is now on Emirates' European network, making it easier for Kiwis to travel to.

The Pacific Islands and Thailand remain popular destinations for their affordability. Abhiram Chowdhry, Hotels.com Asia Pacific marketing director, says the company's latest hotel price index report highlighted how New Zealanders are savvy travellers who seek value for money. "So destinations like Rarotonga, Thailand and Fiji will be popular, as they offer outstanding bang for buck."

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Sri Lanka is enjoying an increase in tourism and its brilliant beaches are one reason to visit. Arugam Bay is well known to surfers for its reputation of having the best surfing waves in Sri Lanka. Crowds flock there between April and October.

Sri Lanka's other attractions include tea plantations, bird sanctuaries and Unesco World Heritage Sites like the old town of Galle.

As trade ties between New Zealand and India are becoming closer, more business travel is frequenting the country and people are returning for leisure holidays later. It's also moving up the list of "off the beaten track" destinations.

OLDIES BUT GOODIES

Australia has always been on our radar for holiday destinations and this year is no different.

Melbourne and Sydney remain hot favourites across the ditch, with both featuring on House of Travel's and Hotels.com's lists of popular destinations for New Zealanders. The cities offer a lot in terms of culture and cuisine, as well as affordability for New Zealanders wanting to travel without flying long haul.

Tasmania is also making waves as an Australian destination to visit, offering wilderness experiences and great food and wine. Hobart's A$100 million Mona gallery, which opened last year, is also on the must-do list of art-loving tourists.

It is for their affordability that the Pacific Islands are oldies but goodies. After a disappointing summer, more people seem to be escaping to the islands for relaxation at a realistic price, with many packages from $1500 for seven nights in a four-star resort.

"Never before have our phones been ringing hotter this week for the likes of Rarotonga, Fiji and Tahiti", Bayne says. So book family holidays now to avoid higher prices and sold-out deals during the school holidays.

VOLUNTOURISM

A latest travel trend is to visit a country not just to explore the sights and sounds but to help.

"Going to an orphanage to work is becoming more of a memorable moment on someone's bucket list than just seeing a monument," says Bayne.

Countries in Asia offer plenty of opportunities for this kind of holiday, but, indeed, all around the world there are places to volunteer while sightseeing.

It's becoming a popular option for high-end travellers too, according to luxury hotel booking specialists Mr & Mrs Smith, which says: "Once happy to be insulated in a cocooning five-star, avoiding immersion in their host country, high-end guests are increasingly seeking more high-impact experiences." Mr & Mrs Smith expects "more crossover between top-tier travellers and adventurous backpackers".

- © Fairfax NZ News