Vanessa Carmichael - Travel Broker

12/06/2026

#

13/05/2026

Following on from my previous post with travelling to Europe a few weeks ago, we were fortunate to be able to cruise with Viking Cruise Line from Istanbul to Athens onboard Viking Jupiter. With a maximum guest capacity of 930, all balcony, inclusive cruising, this ship (and cruise line) is luxury on a relaxed scale.

With 4 main dining locations, speciality dining, burger pool bar, buffet and room service, there is literally space and options for everyone.

No formal nights, no casinos, no photographers and no children under 18 years, this is a cruise aimed at the Active Traveller with an average age of around 65.

If you have any questions regarding Viking Cruise Lines please let me know.

Our cruise itinerary was; Istanbul - Troy - Kusadasi - Rhodes - Crete - Athens. It started with an overnight on board in Istanbul and an overnight in Athens onboard.

I’ll include some pictures of our two nights in Istanbul prior to the cruise and the Viking Jupiter.

10/05/2026

I’ve recently returned from an amazing two week break. I travelled to Europe on Emirates in Premium Economy which was very special and a perfect way to travel on such a long trip.
Due to a delay out of Auckland we were late into Dubai which resulted in a missed onward connection. Emirates staff were waiting for those of us who missed onward flights, with new boarding passes for the flights we had been rebooked on, they also had arranged accomodation and transfers.
I know a lot of people are hesitant to fly through the Middle East currently, I chose to continue with my travel plans and I’m so happy I did. I felt safe and well looked after.
My husband flew 10 days prior to me and had 25 hours in Dubai. He went to the malls, went to restaurants and bars and The Palm, he enjoyed lots of the nightlife of Dubai and at no stage felt unsafe. The city is buzzing and there were people everywhere. The airport is so busy, so many people travelling to and through the Middle East.
This is just my personal experience and I understand people are nervous but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend travelling with Emirates or through Dubai.

11/02/2026

Another wee reminder. The turn around time for British passports is around 4 weeks currently providing you have all the documentation required when you submit the application.
Don’t leave it until the last minute to check if this applies to you ✈️

✈️ Travelling to the UK? Please check your documents

Today, the Deputy High Commissioner met with airlines at Auckland International Airport to discuss upcoming changes to UK entry requirements.

From 25 February 2026, British citizens – including dual British nationals – must travel to the UK using:
✅ a valid British passport, or
✅ a foreign passport with a Certificate of Entitlement

📣 The UK ETA applies only to non-British nationals.
New Zealand passport holders visiting the UK will need an ETA, which can be applied for online:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply

We strongly encourage anyone who holds British citizenship to check their documents now and apply early if needed:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport

Not sure if you’re British? Guidance is available here:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/check-british-citizenship

17/01/2026

14/01/2026

Super important if you hold dual citizenship, an expired passport or are travelling soon - please double check requirements

‼️Dual Citizens: A Travel Update‼️

Effective from 25 Feb, New Zealand residents who hold dual New Zealand-UK or New Zealand-Irish citizenship will be required to enter the UK on a valid British or Irish passport (or another valid passport with a Certificate of Entitlement), highlights the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ).

The move is part of wider changes to the UK immigration requirements, and travellers without the required documents will not be permitted to travel, adds TAANZ.
. . Pre-25 Feb OK
Dual UK or Irish nationals are not eligible for one of the new British Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). However, TAANZ says if a dual national is travelling before 25 Feb and holds a valid passport from a nationality that is eligible for an ETA, they may continue to travel without an ETA or Certificate of Entitlement for travel before this date.
. . Passport Renewals
Travellers impacted by the dual citizenship changes but do not have a current British passport are urged to apply for their new passport ASAP, as the number of applications for a new British passport are expected to spike following the news.
. . Key Links
See more details via the links👇.

UK ETA Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Guide for Dual Citizens
UK Dual Citizenship https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship
Ireland Citizenship https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/citizenship/
Ireland Passports https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/

13/01/2026

This is important to anyone who is a UK citizen or has UK born parents. If you intend travelling to the UK entry requirements have changed and you MUST have a UK passport.
If you’re in doubt please contact the British Consulate to see where you stand with this.

Travel agents are warning many are unaware of the change coming into effect soon.

31/12/2025

Wishing you a happy healthy 2026. I hope the year is kind to you and brings you happiness along with lots of new travel destinations ✈️ 🚢

24/12/2025

Wishing you and your loved ones a relaxing and safe Christmas and New Year season 🎄🎅

Wishing you success, happiness, health and love for 2026.