Europe in Business Class from $5399 return plus taxes.

From vibrant multi-cultural cities to charming towns and villages, Europe offers a wide range of travel experiences ensuring a varied and rewarding journey. Whether it be that long-planned holiday trip of a lifetime or an important business meeting that is going to change your company, take advantage of these awesome earlybird Business Class fares on Thai Airways to travel to one of their 13 European destinations in style and comfort.

Athens $5399 return plus taxes of approx $777.00

Frankfurt $5399 return plus taxes of approx $755.00

London $5899 return plus taxes of approx $992.00

Paris $5899 return plus taxes of approx $855.00

Thai Airways also travel to Madrid, Zurich, Copenhagen, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Oslo, Rome and Stockholm, so contact your Cavalier consultant today to get started on building an itinerary that suits you best.

Terms and Conditions

- Fares are valid ex Auckland. Please contact Cavalier for information on domestic connections and fares

- Fares are on sale from now until the 31st of March 2010

- Travel is to be commenced between the 1st of March and the 30th of November 2010, with a maximum stay of 6 months

- Outbound travel is not permitted 01 - 12 April, 01 - 12 July or 23 Sep - 04 Oct 2010

- The above taxes are approximate and will vary depending on your final itinerary. A Cavalier booking fee will apply.

- One stopover permitted in Bangkok in each direction

- Cancellation and amendment fees will apply. Contact Cavalier for full details

To find out more or to have your Cavalier consultant start checking for availability, please contact 09 529 0888.

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Skycouch coming in December 2010

Air New Zealand has released details of the cabin product to be installed in it's new 777-300ER aircraft, which includes an option of lie-flat economy class seating.

The aircraft will feature the "Skycouch" - a specially designed row of three seats, engineered to create a lie-flat, flexible space all the way to the seat back in front, providing a place for the kids to play or the "holy grail of economy travel" - a flat surface for adults to relax and sleep.

22 sets of Skycouch seats will be available, being the first 11 window rows in the economy cabin, and two adults travelling together will be able to buy the Skycouch by paying for two seats at standard prices, and the third seat at around half price - with final pricing still to be determined.

The planes will also feature an enlarged Premium Economy cabin and the Business Premier service will be enhanced to offer complete on-demand food and beverage service and an "enhanced sleep experience". Air New Zealand is hoping to debut the new product in December 2010 with all Asian, North American and UK services to have the new product by around 2012.

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Online Check-In voted "Business Travel Innovation of the Decade"

In a recent survey, business travellers in the UK have voted Online Check-In as the "Innovation of the Decade", followed closely by Wi-Fi technology and Flat Beds on board aircraft.

The 2,400 survey respondents were also asked for a list of demands for future innovations to further enhance their enjoyment of business travel. Top of the list is speed, speed and more speed, with travellers calling for faster security, check in and immigration processes. This was closely followed by the invention of a miracle child silencing device, supersonic aircraft (didn't we have those already?), carbon free travel and Wi-Fi on planes.

Despite longing for Sky-Fi, 82% of business travellers still don't want mobile phones to be allowed on board. They also rated punctuality and cost ahead of leg-room, on-board catering and access to a lounge as being factors that enabled them to conduct business travel effectively.

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Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2010

With New Zealand currently sitting on top of the Rugby Sevens World Series points table, this is a great year to visit Hong Kong and experience the thrill of the tournament that showed Wellington how to party.

From the 26th to the 28th of March, 24 teams will be competing for the highly contested championship title and those valuable World Series points and you can be there with Cathay Pacific. Simply purchase a Cathay Pacific or Dragon Air ticket to Hong Kong or onwards and you can add a 3 day entry pass for just $320 per person.

For more information on this great offer, please contact your Cavalier Travel consultant on 09 529 0888.

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Pacific Blue Increases Pre-Purchased Baggage Fee

Effective immediately for all new bookings, Pacific Blue has increased the charge to pre-purchase your baggage allowance when purchasing one of their "Go" or "Blue Saver" fares from $8 per sector to $10 per sector. This pre-paid baggage allowance gives you up to 23kg of checked baggage. If you don't pre-purchase the baggage allowance on these fares, the charge to do it at the airport remains at $20 per flight and the "Flexible", "Corporate Plus" and "Premium Economy" fares still entitle you to a free checked baggage allowance of up to 23kg. C-Res has been amended so that the new $10 charge is shown when making new bookings.

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THE INTERNET AGAINST A TRAVEL MANAGER - A CASE STUDY

- As the following table sets out, internal staff members within your business are often

spending an unnecessary amount of time in making travel bookings. Up to one hour on

one simple point-to-point booking is not productive, efficient or justified.

- The following example is based on one standard point-to-point domestic air booking

with two nights accommodation and two days car hire. It outlines the time taken

currently in booking airfares via the Internet vs using Cavalier Travel.

- The key to reducing costs and improving time efficiencies is the ability to rationalise a

customer's current number of suppliers to take advantage of one order, one delivery

and one payment for all travel services including airfares, accommodation, car hire and more.

- It is not uncommon for travel coordinators within your office to be sending up to 1 hour

a day on a simple point-to-point domestic flight! This could have been arranged in less

than 5 minutes by utilising a travel manager experienced in the industry and with the

resources at hand to source all the best options and provide comparison quotes.

Personal Assistants inevitably are spending significantly more time than is needed in

performing this function.

- Independant research firm, Topaz International has found that the reservations

system used by Cavalier Travel - Sabre, is the proven leader in all regions of the world.

On average, Sabre was nearly four times more likely to find the lowest available fare vs

all other reservations systems on a global scale. In the Asia-Pacific region the results

were even better, with Sabre finding the lowest available fares up to nine times more

often than other reservations systems - translating to an average savings of 18%

per ticket. So, not only is it quicker to book through Cavalier Travel, but you can be

assured that we are finding the best fares for you as well.  

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In todays economic climate, Cavalier Travel knows that being efficient and keepng costs low is extremely important to the ongoing success of your business, so we are very pleased to announce the arrival of our new online booking system - C-Res.

Accessed via the bright green button on our website - C-Res provides a fast, efficient and cost effective way for our clients to book Domestic and Tasman travel, run reports and view all your other bookings made through Cavalier Travel.

Whether it be one traveller or one hundred, C-Res provides you with access to all your traveller profiles at the click of a button. View all your past, present and future itineraries online - not just the ones you have made yourself in C-Res, but also any longhaul bookings that you have made direct with the Cavalier Travel consultants.

With an easy to use search screen, C-Res gives the option to book one way, return or multi-sector journeys and searches all applicable airlines, showing the full range of fares available on one screen - eliminating the need to search different airlines websites. Check the fare rules by clicking on the name of the fare or book a seat by clicking on the fare amount - it's that simple.

Planning return and multi sector journeys is a breeze, with all flights shown on one screen. No more flicking in between multiple windows or websites. C-Res will search all available options for domestic and trans tasman travel and provide real-time airfares direct from the airlines. Each company with C-Res has the ability to tailor a travel policy specific to your requirements - from showing all available fares to only making the cheapest visible. The choice is entirely yours and we'll work with you to create the most suitable policy.

C-Res in a nutshell.......

• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Competitive booking fees
• No amendment fees charged by Cavalier Travel - we only pass on any applicable airline change fees
• Easy to use programme - point and click
• No instant purchase requirement for Air NZ and Qantas fares - C-Res provides you with a 24 hour window to ticket even their cheapest airfares
• Flexible, tailor-made policy set-up
• Full support provided by the Cavalier Travel consulting team
• Easy to read, one-screen availability for all applicable airlines
• Online access to create, maintain and view traveller profiles
• Ability to view itineraries for all bookings made for your travellers by Cavalier Travel - not just the domestic and tasman bookings made through C-Res
• Online reporting available to assist with tracking travel expenditure

If you want to take advantage of the time and cost savings that C-Res could provide to your company, please contact our Business Development Manager, Aaron Nagel to arrange a no obligation demonstration on 09 529 0890 or via email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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From the 12th of January 2009, any passengers who are travelling to the USA under the US Visa Waiver Programme, either as your destination or in transit, will be required to complete an online travel authorisation.

This online authorisation should be completed at least 3 days prior to your departure date to allow sufficient processing time. To avoid potential disruption to your travel arrangements, we recommend that you complete your application as soon as you know you are going to be travelling to the USA and the team at Cavalier Travel are more than happy to assist you with this.

Once you have completed your first application, the travel authorisation lasts for 2 years or until your passport expires and is valid for multiple entries.

If you are a New Zealand passprt holder with no criminal convictions, you will be eligible to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme. If you do not hold a New Zealand passport, you can check if your passport is valid for the Visa Waiver Programme by clicking here.

The travel authorisation is available online from the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) website by clicking here - you will need your passport information to complete the application. Please note, the Electronic Travel Authorisation establishes that you are eligible to travel, but you are still subject to the normal Customs and Border Protection Services inspection on your arrival in the USA.

If you would prefer, your Cavalier Travel consultant is available to complete the application on your behalf and will provide you with a checklist to complete. As this online authorisation replaces the green forms that are currently filled in on board the aircraft, all information provided must be true and correct, as you can be subject to administrative or criminal penalties for providing false information to be submitted on your behalf.

Most importantly, if you are unsure if you are eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Programme, or should be applying for a visa via the US Consulate instead, please contact your Cavalier Travel consultant for assistance on 09 529 0888.   

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On the 3rd of November, Air New Zealand will unveil its new state of the art check in facilities at the Auckland Domestic Terminal.

The new self-service approach will see almost 40 self service check-in kiosks replace the traditional counters - although some counters will be retained for those people who need assistance.

Customers will use the kiosks to weigh their own luggage and print off boarding passes and bag tags, before placing their luggage on the conveyor belt and boarding the aircraft. Kiosks can also be used to pay for any excess baggage charges.

Koru Club, Gold Elite, Gold and Silver Airpoints members will receive an "ePass" tag which will attach to the back of a mobile phone. This tag can be scanned at the Kiosk to start the check in process, or if you have no bags, you can bypass the kiosk entirely and scan the tag at the departure gate to receive your boarding pass.

Auckland is the first airport to get the complete makeover, with Christchurch and Wellington changing in the next few weeks.

In other changes, Air New Zealand have announced that from the 31st of October, every fare purchased will now earn Status Points, including all Smart Saver and special fares. Previously, tier status was based on Airpoints Dollars earned, but because these are not earned on some fares, some flight did not count towards the tier status. So, whilst you may not be earning Airpoints Dollars on the cheaper fares, you will always earn Status Points to go towards your tier status.

For more information on the changes that Air New Zealand are making, visit www.changingthewayyoufly.co.nz or contact your Cavalier Travel consultant on 529 0888.

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It appears as though General Manager, Lynn Retter has become our resident airplane tester. In addition to being lucky enough to travel on the Qantas A380, Lynn also found herself aboard the inaugural Pacific Blue flight from Auckland to Sydney recently.

To ease the pain of having to meet at the airport at 5am, the Pacific Blue staff were all dressed up as iconic Aussie characters and on board there were auctions, quizzes and a toilet paper race between the left and right hand side of the aircraft - if only all flights were ths much fun!

With 9 flights in each direction per week, this is another great option for bargain hunters wanting to travel across the Tasman. Pacific Blue offer an economy only service and do charge for food and entertainment systems on board at nominal rates. A good tip from Lynn is to try and request seats as far forward as possible as the seats are slightly larger than those at the rear of the aircraft.

If you have any queries at all or would like to check availability, please contact your Cavalier Travel consultant on 09 529 0888.

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Recently, General Manager Lynn Retter was lucky enough to be amongst the Travel, Media and Sales people invited to fly overAuckland on the new Qantas A380.

Not only was this the first visit by an A380 to New Zealand, but the plane was the first to use Departure Gate 16 - part of the brand new extensions at Auckland International Airport, which was officially opened the same day.

Whilst it is a very impressive plane up close, it isn't until you get on board that you realise just how big the plane is. On the lower level, the First Class suites are located at the front of the plane followed by 3 cabins of Economy Class seating. The upper level is three quarters Business Class seating, with the rear quarter being Premium Economy class.

With large comfortable seats, touch screen entertainment, a spacious lie flat bed and sheepskin covered mattresses and duvets, the First Class suite was everything you would expect for this modern aircraft. The Business Class cabin has a 2/2/2 configuration, with a seat that reclines to totally flat and extends out to 80 inches - so plenty of space. There is also a business lounge area to catch up with your fellow travellers. The Premium Economy cabin only has 32 seats, so does feel quite exclusive as well. Economy Class was also very spacious with decent leg room and like the rest of the aircraft, the latest touch screen entertainment system. A new feature of the economy class seat is the specially designed Footrest Net which replaces the traditional metal foot rests and Lynn reports that this new design is remarkably comfortable.

Qantas are starting their A380 services on selected flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles and from mid January will be operating 3 services a week from Sydney to London, so you may like to add a quick jump across the Tasman to your journey north so that you can sample this spectacular aircraft.

If you would like any further information on the A380 and the Qantas schedule, please contact your CavalierTravel consultant on 09 529 0888.

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There have been further developments to the Cavalier Travel website, with our customers now having the ability to book rail travel online. By clicking on the "Rail" icon on the "Travel Tools" page, you now have access to real time availability and costs for rail travel in Europe, Britain, Japan, Canada and the USA.

A full range of products are available, from Eurostar tickets, to railpasses and one off point to point fares in Europe - all provided in a very easy to use layout. Each different type of pass or ticket has information on the details of the fare, maps of where travel can be taken, timetables and other useful information and frequently asked questions.

Whether you make your bookings yourself, or use the information provided as a guide before contacting one of our consultants, we trust you will find this new addition to our website to be very beneficial in planning your rail arrangements.

For further information please contact one of the Cavalier Travel consultants on 09 529 0888.

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It is many years since I last visited Bangkok and I found this educational to be most rewarding in that we visited a number of hotels that I have used and some that were new to me. The sightseeing was all new and to travel on Singapore Airlines economy class on the outbound flight and then business class on the return was very pleasant.

Our first night was at the Le Bua State Hotel. This is a rather ordinary looking hotel and perhaps not the best location, but the redeeming feature was the magnificent rooms. We had the standard rooms and they were huge and very well appointed.

The second and third nights were at the Royal Orchid Sheraton. Being a Sheraton, the standard was what you would expect and can certainly be recommended for both the business and leisure traveller. Our rooms were well appointed and looked out over the river that the hotel is situated next to.

We visited some other hotels during the trip, the first being the Grnd Hyatt. This is absolutely one of the best hotels in Bangkok - well appointed, opulent and certainly of a 5 star standard. The Marriott was another of the hotels visited. This was also located on the river, but a little out of the main part of Bangkok. If you didn't know better, you could easily be in Phuket or somewhere similar. This was a lovely property that would be ideal for people wanting a few days out of the hustle and bustle of the city. It appeared to be very popular with families, with big swimming pools and many restaurant options.

The Oriental Hotel is a Landmark property, similar in style to Raffles in Singapore. It's a lovely old property on the river and although it's more expensive and  wouldn't suit everyone, it would be perfect for any travellers who like a little nostalgia.

We were taken on a visit to the Floating Markets, located approximately 90 minutes out of Bangkok. This was very enjoyable and can be recommended. On the way back we lunched at the Rose Gardens Hotel. This is a lovely hotel, approximately an hour from Bangkok and would be a great option for anyone wanting a couple of nights out of the city.

The new airport in Bangkok is very functional and the new roading system into the city seems to work very well, without the delays I seem to remember from the old airport. We travelled to Bangkok in Singapore Airlines economy class. The service was fine and the aircraft was clean and tidy. The return flight was in business class on the new 777-300ER aircraft and is certainly all that they advertise. The seats are very wide and comfortable and extends to a lie flat bed that is also very comfortable. Apart from having plenty of room, the TV has a large screen with numerous entertainment options. With the seating configuration being 1-2-1, the two in the centre are ideal for people travelling together, with the windows being better suited for individual travellers. As we were travelling in business class, we were able to access the lounge at Singapore, which was large, well stocked and a good way to pass the time in between flights.

The land arrangements for the group were expertly handled by Diethelm Events and they can be recommended and I would like to thank the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Singapore Airlines for the opportunity to participate in this educational.

If you would like to know more about Keith's travel to Bangkok, please contact him on 09 529 0888.

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Recently Account Executive, Lisa Nelson and General Manager, Lynn Retter escorted some of our valued corporate clients to Wellington and Melbourne on Pacific Blue and Emirates respectively. Although the trips were short, there was still plenty of time to check out some of the local hotels, sample the local cuisine and of course attack the shops with great enthusiasm. All in all, a great time was had by everybody and this is something we will be looking to do again in the future.

If you have any queries about the airlines or hotels utilised during these trips, please don't hesitate to contact us on 09 529 0888.

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Corporate agents have welcomed the news that Cathay Pacific is re-introducing First Class between Auckland and Hong Kong for its northern winter schedule, but its further down the plane that CX is claiming a 'world first'. The airline has completely changed its economy offering with a revolutionary new fixed back seat that allows passengers to recline their seats without encroaching on the space of the passenger behind them. Other new features include a bigger personal TV screen, on demand entertainment and more leg room.

Contact your Cavalier Consultant on 09 529 0888 for more information

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International Consultant Wendie Tilley recently flew to Tahiti with Air Tahiti and Tahiti Tourisme, getting some great first hand experience of Bora Bora and Papeete.

Bora Bora is located in the Society Islands and is an island dominated by a volcano, surrounded by one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. On the outer fringes of the lagoon lie picturesque islets on which are located some of the most desirable resorts in the South Pacific.

Whilst on Bora Bora, Wendie visited the Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, The Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, The St Regis Resort Sheraton and the Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa - which Wendie has admitted is now one of her all time favourite resorts.

Due to airline schedules, travelling to Bora Bora does require overnight stopovers in both directions in Papeete, which Wendie found to be a surprisingly pleasant experience with plenty to see and do. The two hotels that Wendie recommends for your stopovers would be the Intercontinental Resort Papeete and the Sheraton Hotel Papeete.

Air Tahiti Nui operate economy, business and first class cabins and Wendie is happy to report the aircraft were clean, spacious and have a fully equipped entertainment system. Air Tahiti Nui also operate a one stop service 6 days a week from Papeete to Paris, opening up the opportunity of the romantic trip of a lifetime.

Overall this was an unforgettable trip for Wendie and if you are wanting more information on Papeete and Bora Bora as a destination, please don't hesitate to contact her on 09 529 0888.

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Pacific Blue is introducing a new "pay for weight" baggage policy which will apply to Virgin Blue and Pacific Blue domestic flights for fares booked from Monday 18 August, on flights departing from Monday 01 September 2008. This policy replaces the current allowance of up to 20kg of free checked baggage.

A flat fee of $8.00 will apply for an increased allowance of 23kgs of checked baggage for passengers travelling on all discount fares, including new "Go Fares" and "Blue Saver" fares when purchased online or through Virgin Blue's Guest Contact Centre as part of the booking process. If the checked baggage allowance has not been pre-purchased, a $20 charge for up to 23kgs will apply at airport check-in.

Key points of the new policy are as follows:

From July 21, guests on Blue Saver / Go Fare / Flexible Fares, plus Silver Velocity members, will have a free baggage limit of 23kg. Guests on Premium Economy / Corporate Plus fares, plus Velocity Gold members, will have a free baggage limit of 32kg. The excess baggage charge for everyone will be $8 per kg.

From August 18 onwards there'll be further changes made to bookings for travel after September 1, 2008. Checked baggage for guests on Blue Saver and Go Fares will now attract a small charge, however pre-paying online for checked baggage will result in significant savings.

If pre-paid online, baggage up to 23kg will cost a flat fee of $8.
If paid for at check-in, baggage up to 23kg will cost a flat fee of $20.
The charge for excess baggage over the 23kg limit will be $8 per kg.

Guests on Flexible Fares, plus Velocity Silver Members, will still have a free baggage limit of 23kg. The charge for excess baggage over the 23kg limit will remain at $8 per kg. Guests on Premium Economy, Corporate Plus Fares and Velocity Gold Members, will still have a free baggage limit of 32kg. The charge for excess baggage over the 32kg limit will remain at $8 per kg. Carry-on cabin baggage will continue to be carried free of charge, however it must weigh no more than 7kg, with a size not exceeding 48cm deep x 34cm high x 48cm long. Additional personal items such as hanbags, laptops and coats are still allowed.

Contact your Cavalier Consultant on 09 529 0888 for more information

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This month has seen the departure of Air New Zealand's first non-stop service between Auckland and Beijing. The new direct Beijing service makes China's capital and most popular tourist attractions such as the Great Wall and Forbidden City, even more accessible to New Zealand travellers.

China is already a rich source of visitors to New Zealand. It is New Zealand's fourth largest market and one of the fastest-growing. In the year to May 2008, 125,424 Chinese visited New Zealand, up 10,000 visitors on the previous year. Air New Zealand services from Auckland to Beijing operate on Wednesdays and Fridays with the return flights operating on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Contact your Cavalier Consultant on 09 529 0888 for more information

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Flying into Bhutan you have your first realisation about how remote and different this destination really is. Approaching the airport, Kanchenjuna, the worlds 3rd highest peak dominates the horizon. Tourism into Bhutan has been tightly controlled for over 30 years through limited visas given out each year, the result is a unique and unjaded, environmentally sustainable destination for those lucky enough to gain entry.

The Bhutanese call themselves Druk Pa, People of the Dragon, and inhabit a mythical land called Druk Yul - Land of the Thunder Dragon they still wear the traditional dress consisting of brightly coloured woven robes, from your first encounter with the people you can sense the old age traditions that surround Bhutan. All visitors are given a pre-planned itinerary. The pre-paid rate is all inclusive, including accommodation, sightseeing, food, private vehicle and a well trained driver and guide.

As you travel around Bhutan the architecture is very traditional, consisting of carved wood features, colourful beams and wall paintings. Many of the local buildings depict the gods and demons of the Buddhist pantheon, along with occasional grotesquely erotic art which are patiently explained by the guides.

Progress and Development in Bhutan is measured in Gross National Happiness, rather than any familiar economic measurement that we may be used to.  Under the GNH much of Bhutan is protected for the well being of all, through protected areas and is off limits to humans. There is a black headed crane sanctuary, where birds migrate from the Tibetan plateau every November and stay till March. These birds are almost as tall as man! The roads wind along valleys filled by rivers with clear emerald green or glacial blue waters of the Himalayas. There are many narrow walking tracks linking villages and steep slopes. If you are an active traveller there are many opportunities for high altitude trekking, or day trips if tented accommodation is not your style.  Other attractions include, playing archery with the locals (be warned it’s their national sport), white water rafting, kayaking, festivals. Bhutan is known for its festivals, which recount the exploits of monks and rinpoches as they battle evil demons with great masked dances.

In 2008 there will be a great deal of celebrations as they celebrate the coronation of the dynasty’s 5th king. Paul is the dedicated travel agent selling the destination to New Zealand travellers wanting to experience the Land of the Thunder Dragon, now that he has first hand experience he is looking forward to promoting the destination. If you want to learn more about Bhutan you can contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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