Best Travel - Linda Smith

03/09/2026

23/08/2026

So many things to look forward too - "Whatever you’re meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible." ― Doris Lessing
Contact Best Travel for your next adventure! 06 8765111 or [email protected]

14/07/2026

Brought my little apprentice to work yesterday, got to train them in early! Send those travel enquiries through we got you covered ✈️🛳🚅

19/06/2026

✈️Middle East Advisory Change✈️

We welcome New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) today lowering its travel advisory to the United Arab Emirates from Do Not Travel, to the same level it was pre-conflict.

This change is welcome news for our customers, our fellow travel colleagues, airlines and the wider travel sector.

Safe Travel advises Kiwis in the United Arab Emirates to continue to exercise increased caution (Level 2). This applies to visiting, residing, or transiting through airports.

Registering with SafeTravel is one of the simplest steps you can take before you travel overseas. It means the New Zealand Government has travel details available if circumstances change or consular assistance is required.

For more information please see link below:
https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/united-arab-Emirates

“This is positive momentum for the entire travel community. Greater certainty around airline operations, insurance and official travel advice is exactly what travelers need.” TAANZ Chief Executive Julie White

12/06/2026

Singapore's name is derived from 'Singa Pura' (which means "Lion City"). As the story goes a prince from Palembang, Sumatra, gave this name to the island after he came ashore and saw a creature he believed to be a lion.(worth noting there are no lions in Singapore so it was most likely a tiger)
Singapore is a perfect stopover destination or even holiday destination, we only touched the sides and can't wait to go back.
Our 3 nights on our way home was the cherry on top to conclude a fantastic trip to Europe.
It is such an easy city to bike around which was a welcome relief from the heat & a great way to explore the sights.

05/06/2026

Lake Garda (Italy's largest lake) was a perfect half way stop between Venice and Milan before flying back to New Zealand.
Lake Garda is stunning, the landscape changes dramatically from north to south. The scenery in the north is more dramatic surrounded by the Alps, the more south you go, the lake gets larger, the water is more gentle, sunny beaches, theme parks, rolling hills and vineyards. Something for everyone!
Desenzano del Garda in the south was ideal for us due to the train accessibility to Milan for our flight back to NZ.
I often get asked what is best town to stay in around the lake but I honestly don't think you would be disappointed anywhere you stay. The lake has a fantastic ferry network that services all the major towns around the lake. This does require a bit of planning as the distance is deceiving. It's a 3.5hr journey from top to bottom!
We opted to hire bikes and took the morning ferry from Desenzano to Garda town and cycled the 30km trail back, stopping off in all the pretty towns along the way 👌and the odd Aperol Spritz to cool down 🍹Highly recommend.

30/05/2026

2 nights in Venice gave us 2 full days to explore but I could have definitely spent another night or two to truly see and do everything. You simply cannot appreciate this city in 1 day so I would highly recommend staying a couple of nights if you can, for the main reason of enjoying the city without the crowds and tour groups during the day. It's a different city first thing in the morning or later in the evening. Getting up early in to be in St Marks square or visit Doge's Palace first thing to avoid the crowds is well worth it. Also by staying a couple of nights affords you the oppertunity to take in a concert in Vivaldi's church, which was the highlight for me.

27/05/2026

Last night on our cruise was an overnight in Chioggia (pronouced kee-oh-jah) near Venice. Since 2021 most cruise companies (over 25,000 tonne) are no longer permitted to dock in Venice to protect the cities fragile architectural foundations and ecosystem. Chioggia is approx 1hr transfer from the city. Optional complementary excursion today with Viking was a day trip to Venice with guided walking tour or you could opt to spend the day in Chioggia. As we were having 2 nights in Venice after the cruise we opted for a relaxing day exploring Chioggia. Known as little Venice it is so pretty and sleepy although the driving around is questionable 🫣
We loved this relaxing day and highly recommend taking it, if you are extending in Venice!