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Expedia.co.nz research shows New Zealanders will travel far and wide to experience the world’s best festivals

One in ten Kiwis – and almost one in five 25-34-year-olds – is planning to attend a festival in the next twelve months, according to new research from Expedia.co.nz™, operated by Expedia, Inc., the world’s largest online travel company.

In all corners of the globe, thousands of festivals are held each year celebrating religion, music, food and art, and attract travellers from all walks of life looking for new experiences. Read more

Latest Expedia Foreign Exchange Index reveals the top ten destinations where the New Zealand Dollar goes furthest

As the New Zealand Dollar soars to record highs against some of the world’s major currencies, leading New Zealand travel website Expedia.co.nz (owned by Expedia, the world’s largest online travel company), in conjunction with foreign currency specialists Currency Online, has released its latest Expedia® Foreign Exchange Index, revealing the top ten destinations around the world where New Zealand travellers will get the best value for their money. The verdict is clear: with nine out of the ten currencies being from Europe, Europe is currently the undisputed Kiwi Dollar holiday hotspot! Read more

One in five Gen Y Kiwis complain in order to score an upgrade on a flight or hotel room

New research from Expedia.co.nz^TM, operated by Expedia, Inc., the world’s largest online travel company, has found that Generation Y Kiwis are most likely to complain in order to land themselves a free upgrade on a flight or in a hotel.

The survey*, conducted among 500 New Zealanders, revealed that almost a fifth (18 per cent) of New Zealanders aged between 18-24 were willing to complain about nearby guests/passengers, the food, or quality of service to score a flight or hotel upgrade, double the national average of 9 per cent.

As part of their bag of tricks, two per cent of Gen Ys also admit to posing as business travellers to secure a free upgrade. Read more

54% of Kiwis prefer to take a short break in the North Island

New research from Expedia.co.nz^TM, operated by Expedia, Inc., the world’s largest online travel company, shows that when it comes to taking ‘short breaks’, most Kiwis choose the North Island over the South of New Zealand. The survey*, conducted among 500 New Zealanders, showed that while almost nine out of ten respondents are planning a short break this year, the vast majority (54%) of those will choose to do so within the North Island. And while almost half (51%) of respondents are willing to travel over four hours by car, train or bus to reach their short-break destination, only a few (22%) chose to fly irrespective of where they short-break. Read more

Expedia.co.nz names the world’s most gay-friendly cities

Each year cities from around the world take to the streets to celebrate their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) cultures in what has become known as ‘Pride Parades’ (or numerous variations). The annual events, which get bigger, better and more colourful each year, attract hundreds of thousands of participants, and spectators. Many of the cities maintain the fun atmosphere and celebration of tolerance and diversity long after the parade has finished.

With only days until Sydney’s famous Mardi Gras festival begins, Expedia.co.nz has scoured the globe to recommend some of the world’s best gay-friendly cities.

The Expedia Top Ten Gay-Friendly Cities:

Sydney, Australia Read more